NIS unveils Rasheedat Ajibade Foundation Coaching Education Scholarship for grassroots sports

By Amaechi Agbo

Super Falcons captain Rasheedat Ajibade has reaffirmed her commitment to the development of Nigerian sports by partnering with the National Institute for Sports (NIS), Lagos, to expand opportunities for grassroots coaches and young talents through her foundation.
Ajibade, who is a proud product of the National Institute for Sports, continues to demonstrate that investing in education and professional training remains a vital pathway to success in sports. Her latest intervention is expected to inspire young athletes and coaches to embrace learning and capacity building as they pursue excellence.
The Rasheedat Ajibade Foundation paid a courtesy visit to the Institute, where discussions centred on strengthening collaboration in sports development, coaching education, and grassroots football across the country.
The Foundation’s delegation was received on behalf of the Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of the National Institute for Sports, His Excellency Comrade Philip Shaibu, by the Registrar of the Institute, Mr. Belmond Benson, and members of the management team.
A key outcome of the meeting was the unveiling of the Rasheedat Ajibade Foundation–NIS Coaching Education Scholarship, an initiative designed to provide aspiring and grassroots coaches with access to professional coaching education at the National Institute for Sports.
Speaking during the visit, the Registrar, Mr. Belmond Benson, commended Ajibade for remembering the institution that contributed to her growth and for choosing to invest in the development of future sports professionals.
He noted that the National Institute for Sports remains committed to collaborating with individuals and organisations whose programmes align with its mandate of producing skilled sports personnel capable of driving sustainable growth in Nigeria’s sports industry.
Ajibade’s journey from an NIS-trained athlete to becoming captain of the Super Falcons and one of Africa’s most respected footballers serves as a powerful example of the value of education, discipline, and continuous self-development. Her decision to return to support the Institute demonstrated the importance of giving back and creating opportunities for the next generation.