Africa’s First Sports Management Institute Gets Government Approval in Nigeria
Nigeria has given the green light for the establishment of the Institute of Sports Management and Development Studies (ISMDS), a pioneering institution that its founders say will professionalise sports administration and serve as a catalyst for economic growth across Africa.
Abdullah el-Kurebe, Chairman of the institute’s Board of Trustees, expressed gratitude to the Federal Ministry of Justice and the Attorney General of the Federation for their approval. He described ISMDS as “the first of its kind in Africa.” Citing the exponential growth of the global sports industry into a multi-billion-dollar sector, he warned that “Africa cannot afford to be left behind.”
“El-Kurebe said we must develop trained professionals who can turn sports into jobs, revenue and lasting community development,” the institute stated. He emphasised the importance of modern management skills among sports administrators to fully exploit the economic, developmental, and employment opportunities within the sector.
“The sports sector contributes significantly to national development through youth empowerment, employment generation and revenue creation,” he added, underscoring that building a competent workforce is vital for sustainable growth.
Rev. Stanley Ihedigbo, CEO and Registrar of ISMDS, highlighted that the institute will provide specialised training and professional development programmes for sports managers, administrators, and other key stakeholders. “With quality training, research and policy support, we can produce the leaders who will drive reforms and make African sports more competitive internationally,” Rev. Ihedigbo said.
He further explained that the initiative aligns with Nigeria’s broader efforts to diversify its economy and harness the commercial potential of sports. The institute also aims to promote research, innovation, and best-practice governance to address existing knowledge gaps in sports administration.
Industry experts suggest that a dedicated institution like ISMDS could help standardise training, improve governance within sporting organisations, and establish clear career pathways in sports management — areas deemed crucial for Nigeria and other African nations to capitalise on the sector’s promising growth.