NIS to graduate 530 at 8th convocation on May 25

. To honour Sunday Dare, Odegbami, Sir Adebutu Kessington, others  

By Taofeek Babalola

A total of 530 graduands will be taking part in the 8th convocation ceremonies of the National Institute For Sports, Surulere, Lagos on Thursday May 25th, 2023.

This was revealed by the Director General/ Chief Executive Officer, Professor Olawale Moronkola, at the Pre-Convocation Press-Conference, held at the NIS Conference Hall, National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos this afternoon.

The ceremony which is the first since 2018 will have record number of students made up of the 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2022 sets.

“Thanks to the vision of the visitor to the Institute, President Muhammadu Buhari and the Minister of Youth and Sports Development Chief Sunday Dare who have supported the administration of the Institute. It is evident to all that the situation of NIS is changing for the better. The last time the institution held its convocation was in 2018 when many sets were combined. This year's convocation is taking place on Thursday May 25th, 2023 and it will be a remarkable one. It is the first time that we are convocating with a record number of 530 students made up of the 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2022 sets,” Professor Moronkola said.

Also, the institution will honour some eminent Nigerians with Fellowship of the National Institute For Sports (FNIS) for their contributions to sports development in the country.

Those to be honoured include the Minister of Youth and Sports Development Chief Sunday Dare, former Green Eagles captain Dr. Chief Segun Odegbami, MON, business mogul Sir Adebutu Kessington, CON, foremost journalist, Chairman of Brila FM, Dr Larry Izamoje and businesswoman and sports philanthropist Mrs Modupeola Lawale.

“The Institute believes in setting standards and encouraging overall national development through sports. This is the first time Fellowship is being bestowed on people in line with the tradition in tertiary institutions,” he added.

At the event, the DG also reeled out some achievements recorded by the institution under two years of his leadership which include well equipped library, lecture rooms, upgraded facility for accommodation and upgrading of old facilities, commencement of the building of new hostel and lecture theatre.

Professor Moronkola added that the management has introduced new courses and development in National Diploma in Sports Coaching Training, National Diploma in Sports Management while they are also in the journey of seeking accreditation for these national diploma programmes (a) Sports Security and Safety (b) Athletes Fitness and Wellness (c) Paramedics (d) Recreation and Park Management.

He said: “We believe this will enhance standard and student's enrolment and provide necessary personnel for sports industry in private and public sectors.  

“We are also embarking on consultations to revive the long abandoned partnership with the Australian and German sports Institutes. We have also opened discussions with the Manchester Metropolitan University U.K. This will ultimately boost the image of our great institution in line with best global practices.”

The institution which was established in 1974 has grown in leaps and bound and trained many great products like late Yemi Telia, Shuaibu Amodu, Fanny Amun, Chioma Ajunwa, Garba Manu, Moses Kpakor, Austin Equavoen and lately Peter Rufai.