CVCNU and NUGA Host 2 Day Capacity Building Workshop to Strengthen University Sports Administration
The Committee of Vice Chancellors of Nigerian Universities CVCNU and the Nigerian University Games Association NUGA in collaboration with the National Sports Commission NSC, and the Business of Sports Institute Africa BOS, convened a Two Day Capacity Building Workshop for Sports Administrators from 11th to 12th March 2026. The workshop brought together Directors of Sports, Chairmen, and university administrators from across Nigeria to strengthen governance, policy development, and sustainability within university sports.
The programme commenced with registration and the introduction of guests, followed by a Welcome Address delivered by Dr Silverina Olaghere, Assistant Secretary General, on behalf of Professor Andrew Haruna. She emphasised the need for institutional collaboration and structured development. Opening Remarks were delivered by Professor Ere Diepreye, representing the NUGA President, Professor Mohammed Bawa, highlighting the importance of transitioning from informal systems to policy-driven sports administration.
The first session, facilitated by Mrs. Beverley Agbakoba-Onyejianya, focused on Sports Governance, Policy Frameworks, and Institutional Management. The session underscored the need for clear governance structures, accountability systems, and alignment with national and international regulations. Key areas discussed included athlete welfare, safeguarding, insurance, legal compliance, and the importance of documentation and data management in ensuring continuity and transparency.
The second session, led by Lady Syombua A. Kibue, examined Sports Commercialisation, Sponsorship, and Marketing. Under the theme The Game Behind the Game, the session highlighted the need to position sports within a broader sports, culture, and entertainment ecosystem. Emphasis was placed on building sustainable commercial models, improving digital visibility, and strengthening institutional capacity to attract sponsorship and partnerships.
Day Two focused on sustainability and implementation. A session delivered by Mr. Ugochukwu Osuji, Chief Operating Officer of MediaVision Limited, explored Financial Sustainability and Sports Marketing, stressing the need to treat sports as a structured product. He identified key revenue streams including sponsorships, media rights, merchandising, and events, while also highlighting challenges such as overdependence on subventions, weak infrastructure, and limited strategic planning.
Further discussions on Institutional Synergy and Policy Alignment, delivered on behalf of Hon, Bukola Olopade the Director General of the National Sports Commission, His representative, Mr Abiola Olamilekun Odetola, emphasised collaboration and the proposed establishment of Centres of Excellence across Nigerias six geopolitical zones. The workshop also featured a presentation by Ms Chidiebere Ezeani on the 12th All Africa University Games scheduled for August 2026 in Cairo, Egypt, outlining participation guidelines and opportunities for international exposure.
Overall, the workshop reinforced the need for structured governance, sustainable funding models, and stronger collaboration across institutions. It marks a significant step in repositioning university sports in Nigeria as a system driven by policy, professionalism, and long term development.