The Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of NIS, Philip Shaibu, announced the initiative at the institute’s Athletes Development Centre in Abuja, according to a statement issued by his office. Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Technical Director Augustine Eguavoen was present at the announcement.

The new system is designed to allow employers, sports organisations, educational institutions and other relevant bodies to check the authenticity of NIS certificates digitally. The technology is expected to make verification more convenient for organisations in Nigeria and abroad that need to confirm the qualifications of coaches and other sports professionals.

A key feature of the initiative is its proposed coverage of certificates issued before the system was introduced. This would allow existing certificate holders, including experienced coaches and sports administrators, to have their credentials verified through the new arrangement.

The move is intended to reduce opportunities for certificate forgery and make it easier for genuine graduates to demonstrate their qualifications when applying for jobs, professional appointments or further training.

For Nigerian coaches pursuing opportunities outside the country, a reliable digital verification process could help simplify credential checks by international clubs, sporting bodies and other institutions. However, acceptance of an NIS certificate will continue to depend on the requirements of the organisation or country receiving it.

The initiative follows earlier efforts by the institute to review its records and align its qualifications with international standards. In November 2025, Shaibu said the NIS was cleaning up its database and planned to revalidate certificates to improve confidence in the institution’s credentials.

The latest development also comes amid wider efforts by the institute to strengthen sports education and professional coaching in Nigeria. In September 2026, Shaibu and Eguavoen inspected NIS facilities in Abuja as part of preparations for coaching programmes associated with the Confederation of African Football.

A digital verification system could help employers and sports administrators make more informed decisions when assessing applicants’ qualifications. Its effectiveness, however, will depend on the accuracy and completeness of the institute’s records, the accessibility of the verification platform and clear procedures for resolving discrepancies.

The NIS says the initiative forms part of its broader effort to modernise its operations, improve accountability and strengthen confidence in the professional training it provides to Nigeria’s sports sector.

Reporting by TalkNaija Media