The National Institute for Sports (NIS) has introduced a technology-driven certificate verification system designed to enhance the credibility, security and global recognition of its qualifications.
The Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of NIS, Comrade Philip Shaibu, announced the initiative, which covers both newly issued certificates and those the Institute awarded in previous years.
The announcement was made in the presence of the Technical Director of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Augustine Eguavoen.
Under the new system, NIS certificates will feature scannable technology that allows their authenticity to be verified digitally from anywhere in the world.
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The platform is expected to simplify verification for employers, sports organisations, educational institutions and other bodies seeking to authenticate the qualifications of NIS graduates.
By extending the system to certificates issued in previous years, the Institute is also ensuring that graduates and coaches who obtained their qualifications in the past can benefit from the initiative.
The measure is aimed at safeguarding the integrity of NIS certificates, curbing forgery and enabling genuine certificate holders to present their qualifications with greater confidence when seeking professional opportunities locally and internationally.
The initiative forms part of reforms under Shaibu’s leadership, with emphasis on modernising the Institute’s operations, embracing technological innovation and improving service delivery.
Sports coaches and other professionals seeking career opportunities outside Nigeria are expected to benefit particularly from the platform, as verification of academic and professional credentials is often required for recruitment and career advancement.
The digital system is also expected to reduce dependence on traditional manual verification procedures, enabling relevant organisations to authenticate NIS qualifications more efficiently.
The development underscores the Institute’s commitment to promoting transparency, accountability and public confidence in its academic and professional training programmes.
The NIS described the initiative as part of its broader vision to become a modern, credible and globally competitive institution for sports education and coach development.
