The Nigerian Olympic Committee (NOC) will host an advanced gender-inclusive governance course in the FCT, backed by the International Olympic Committee (IOC).
The three-day programme will hold from March 23 to March 25, 2026, at the Media Centre, Package B, Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja.
The development was announced by NOC Public Relations Officer Tony Nezianya in a statement released on Tuesday.
Supported by Olympic Solidarity, the course is designed for former female athletes and women currently serving on the boards of National Sports Federations.
The NOC said the programme reflects its commitment to strengthening governance structures, promoting inclusive leadership and enhancing institutional effectiveness across Nigeria’s sports system.
The course will be declared open by NOC President, Engr. Habu Ahmed Gumel, who stressed the importance of inclusive governance in sports development.
Gumel said: “institutional reform requires competent and inclusive leadership.
“By investing in the capacity of women leaders, we are strengthening governance, improving compliance with international standards, and reinforcing the foundation for sustainable sports development in Nigeria.”
The training will be delivered under the IOC’s global educational framework and will be based on the IOC Sports Administration Course manual.
Participants will receive internationally recognised instruction in governance reform and strategic planning, as well as financial oversight and organisational accountability.
The training will also cover ethical leadership and safeguarding principles, alongside policy implementation and institutional management.
Gumel noted that beyond technical instruction, the programme will serve as a platform for mentorship and peer collaboration aimed at building a network of women leaders capable of influencing reforms within their federations.
The NOC reaffirmed its commitment to aligning national sports governance with international benchmarks and fostering collaboration with government agencies and stakeholders.
The committee said the initiative is expected to strengthen institutional oversight and enhance women’s participation in high-level decision-making roles across Nigerian sports.
