Akwa Ibom Makes History as NIS Graduates First Coaching Class Outside Lagos in 52 Years
Akwa Ibom State has made history as the National Institute for Sports (NIS) graduated its first-ever coaching programme outside Lagos in its 52-year history.
The colourful and well-attended graduation ceremony of the NIS Executive Coaching Certificate Programme took place on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo. The Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Bassey Eno, PhD, was represented by the Commissioner for Sports Development, Elder Paul Bassey.
The Director-General of the NIS, His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Philip Shaibu, who served as the Chief Host, led other dignitaries to the event.
Other dignitaries included the Wife of the Senate President, Dr Ekaette Unoma Akpabio, represented by Hon. Mrs Eunice Thomas; the Chairman of the Akwa Ibom State Football Association, Mr Samuel Umoh; the NIS Registrar, Mr Belmond Benson; the Institute Librarian, Dr Omoh Atsenokhia; and the Programme Coordinator, Dr Abdulrasheed Oyakhire.
Also present were the NIS Bursar, Mrs Oluohun O. Nyakno; the Managing Director of Raytiding Consulting Ltd and Institute Consultant, Dr Majoroh Uruemu; the Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Akwa Ibom State Council, Comrade Nsibiet John; CAF/FIFA instructor, Coach Monday Odigie; and former NFF Board Member representing the South-South, Rt. Hon. Nse Essien, alongside members of the Akwa Ibom State Football Association Board.
The graduands were urged to apply the knowledge they gained during the programme to the development of quality football players, particularly at the grassroots level.
Speaking at the ceremony, the NIS Director-General, Rt. Hon. Philip Shaibu, praised Akwa Ibom State for hosting the first NIS coaching programme outside Lagos in 52 years.
He described the graduands as a history-making set and expressed confidence that they would contribute to the development of football in Nigeria.
Shaibu also said the programme would support the institute’s plans to extend coaching education to other parts of the country.
Mr Samuel Umoh emerged as the Best Graduating Student, while 15-year-old Unwana Unwana Udoma made history as the youngest trained coach in the history of the National Institute for Sports.
In his valedictory speech, Umoh expressed gratitude to the NIS under the leadership of Comrade Philip Shaibu, Raytiding Consulting Ltd, the Akwa Ibom State Government, the Wife of the Senate President, Dr Ekaette Unoma Akpabio, the Commissioner for Sports Development, Elder Paul Bassey, the Akwa Ibom State Football Association, the facilitators and everyone who contributed to the success of the programme.
He urged his fellow graduands to make good use of the foundation provided by the course, continue to acquire more knowledge and contribute to grassroots football development.
Umoh said their efforts should reflect the vision of the NIS in establishing the programme to improve coaching standards and develop football from the grassroots.
Also speaking, the Wife of the Senate President, Dr Ekaette Unoma Akpabio, expressed delight at witnessing the historic event.
Represented by Hon. Mrs Eunice Thomas, she encouraged the graduands to become stars in their chosen careers and take advantage of the opportunities available in the multi-million-dollar sports industry.
The Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Bassey Eno, represented by the Commissioner for Sports Development, Elder Paul Bassey, commended the NIS for bringing the coaching programme to the state.
He said the initiative aligns with the administration’s ARISE Agenda, particularly its focus on manpower development and the growth of sports in Akwa Ibom.
The governor congratulated the graduands on completing the programme and assured them that his administration would continue to support initiatives aimed at improving sports development and producing qualified personnel.
Several individuals also supported the training of some of the graduands by sponsoring their participation in the programme. They include Prof. Chris Ekong, Elder Paul Bassey, Adede Kufre Inima, Prince Ukeme Ukpong, Engr. Uwem Umoh, Engr. Best Umoh, Paul Omamomo, Chairman of Ikono Local Government Area, Rt. Hon. Oto-Obong Okon Essien and Elder Eno Etukudo. Their support contributed to the development of coaching skills and the training of aspiring football coaches in Akwa Ibom State.
The ceremony ended with the presentation of certificates to the graduands in recognition of their successful completion of the NIS Executive Coaching Certificate Programme.
