Akwa Ibom State has made history as the National Institute for Sports (NIS) graduated its first-ever coaching programme outside Lagos in the institute’s 52-year history.

The colourful and well-attended graduation ceremony of the NIS Executive Coaching Certificate Programme was held on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo.

Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Bassey Eno, PhD, was represented at the event by the Commissioner for Sports Development, Elder Paul Bassey, while the NIS Director-General, Rt. Hon. Philip Shaibu, served as the chief host and led other dignitaries to the ceremony.

Among the dignitaries present were the Wife of the Senate President, Dr Ekaette Unoma Akpabio, represented by Hon. Mrs Eunice Thomas; Akwa Ibom State Football Association Chairman, Mr Samuel Umoh; NIS Registrar, Mr Belmond Benson; Institute Librarian, Dr Omoh Atsenokhia; and Programme Coordinator, Dr Abdulrasheed Oyakhire.

Others included NIS Bursar, Mrs Oluohun O. Nyakno; Managing Director of Raytiding Consulting Ltd and Institute Consultant, Dr Majoroh Uruemu; 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.

Speaking at the ceremony, Shaibu commended Akwa Ibom State for hosting the first NIS coaching programme outside Lagos since the institute was established 52 years ago.

He described the graduands as a history-making group and expressed confidence that they would contribute significantly to football development in Nigeria, particularly through grassroots coaching.

The NIS Director-General also noted that the programme aligns with the institute’s plans to expand coaching education and professional training opportunities to other parts of the country.

The graduands were urged to apply the knowledge and skills acquired during the programme to improve coaching standards and develop quality football players, especially at the grassroots level.

Mr Samuel Umoh emerged as the Best Graduating Student, while 15-year-old Unwana Unwana Udoma was recognised 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 Shaibu, Raytiding Consulting Ltd, the Akwa Ibom State Government, Dr Ekaette Unoma Akpabio, 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 encouraged his fellow graduands to build on the foundation provided by the course, continue acquiring knowledge and use their training to strengthen grassroots football development.

Umoh stressed that their work should reflect the NIS vision behind the programme: improving coaching standards and developing football from the grassroots.

The Wife of the Senate President, Dr Ekaette Unoma Akpabio, expressed delight at witnessing the historic graduation.

Represented by Hon. Mrs Eunice Thomas, she encouraged the graduands to excel in their chosen careers and take advantage of opportunities within the multi-million-dollar sports industry.

Governor Eno, through Commissioner for Sports Development Elder Paul Bassey, also commended the NIS for bringing the coaching programme to Akwa Ibom.

He said the initiative aligns with his administration’s ARISE Agenda, particularly its commitment to manpower development and sports growth in the state.

The governor congratulated the graduands on completing the programme and assured them of his administration’s continued support for initiatives aimed at advancing sports development and producing qualified personnel.

Several individuals sponsored the participation of some graduands in the programme, helping to expand access to coaching education and develop football coaching skills in Akwa Ibom State.

The sponsors included 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 contributions supported the training of aspiring football coaches and the broader objective of strengthening grassroots football development.

The ceremony concluded with the presentation of certificates to the graduands in recognition of their successful completion of the NIS Executive Coaching Certificate Programme, marking a significant milestone in the institute’s efforts to broaden access to professional coaching education across Nigeria.