By Fayobi Adedoyin
The Nigerian Olympic Committee (NOC) is set to host an advanced gender-inclusive governance course later this month in Abuja as part of efforts to strengthen leadership standards across the country’s sports federations The programme is backed by the International Olympic Committee (IOC).
Scheduled for March 23–25, 2026, the three-day course will be held at the Media Centre, Package B of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium. The initiative is supported through the IOC’s Olympic Solidarity programme.
The training is targeted at former female athletes and women currently serving on the boards of National Sports Federations. It is designed to strengthen governance capacity, promote inclusive leadership, and improve institutional effectiveness within Nigeria’s sports system.
President of the NOC, Engr. Habu Ahmed Gumel will officially declare the course open. He stressed that sustainable sports development depends on transparent, accountable, and inclusive governance structures. According to him, empowering more women with the right leadership tools will improve compliance with international standards and lay a stronger foundation for long-term growth.
The curriculum will be delivered under the IOC’s global education framework and is based on the IOC Sports Administration Course manual. Participants will receive training in governance reform and strategic planning, financial oversight, ethical leadership, and safeguarding, as well as policy implementation and organisational management.
Beyond classroom sessions, the programme will also provide a platform for mentorship and peer collaboration. It aims to build a strong network of women leaders capable of influencing reforms and driving strategic progress within their respective federations.
The NOC reaffirmed its commitment to aligning Nigeria’s sports governance with global best practices, noting that the initiative is expected to boost board diversity, strengthen oversight structures, and increase women’s participation in top-level decision-making roles across the sector.
