The Nigerian Olympic Committee (NOC) is taking a significant step towards promoting gender equality and good governance in sports by hosting an advanced gender-inclusive governance course in Abuja.
This three-day intensive programme, scheduled to take place from March 23 to March 25, 2026, at the Media Centre, Package B, Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja, is backed by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and supported by Olympic Solidarity.
The course is specifically designed for former female athletes and women currently serving on the Boards of National Sports Federations, highlighting the NOC’s commitment to strengthening governance structures, promoting inclusive leadership, and enhancing institutional effectiveness across Nigeria’s sports ecosystem.
The programme will be officially declared open by NOC President, Engr. Habu Ahmed Gumel, who emphasizes the importance of transparent, accountable, and inclusive frameworks for sustainable sports development.
The curriculum, delivered under the IOC’s global educational framework, is based on the IOC Sports Administration Course manual and covers key areas such as governance reform, strategic planning, financial oversight, and ethical leadership. Participants will receive internationally recognized training, equipping them with the skills and knowledge needed to drive institutional reforms and strategic growth within their respective federations.
According to Engr. Gumel, the programme goes beyond technical instruction, serving as a vital platform for mentorship and peer collaboration. It’s aimed at cultivating a network of women leaders who can influence institutional reforms and drive long-term strategic growth, ultimately contributing to the development of sports in Nigeria.
To be delivered under the IOC’s global educational framework, the curriculum is based on the IOC Sports Administration Course manual.
The participants will receive internationally recognised training in governance reform and strategic planning; financial oversight and organisational accountability; ethical leadership and safeguarding principles; and policy implementation and institutional management.
Engr. Gumel also notes that beyond technical instruction, the program serves as a vital platform for mentorship and peer collaboration. It aims to cultivate a network of women leaders equipped to influence institutional reforms and drive long-term strategic growth within their respective federations.
The NOC reaffirmed its dedication to aligning national sports governance with evolving international benchmarks. By fostering collaboration with government agencies and stakeholders, the Committee seeks to ensure measurable progress in board diversity and leadership effectiveness.
This initiative is expected to yield tangible impacts, including strengthened institutional oversight and enhanced participation of women in high-level decision-making roles across Nigerian sports.
