IOC, NOC launch gender inclusive governance program to boost women's leadership
In a decisive move toward strengthening institutional reform and women’s leadership in Nigerian sport, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has partnered with the Nigerian Olympic Committee (NOC) to deliver an advanced gender-inclusive governance course in Abuja.
The three-day programme, supported by Olympic Solidarity, will run from March 23 to March 25 at the Media Centre, Package B of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium. It is tailored specifically for former female athletes and women currently serving on the boards of national sports federations.
According to the NOC, the initiative is designed to enhance governance standards while expanding female representation in sports decision-making structures, a critical step in aligning Nigeria’s sports administration with evolving global benchmarks.
The course forms part of broader reform efforts aimed at building transparent, accountable, and inclusive systems capable of sustaining long-term development across federations.
NOC President, Habu Gumel, who will formally declare the programme open, emphasised that sustainable sports growth hinges on credible and inclusive leadership.
“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,” Gumel said.
Delivered under the IOC’s global educational framework and structured around the IOC Sports Administration Course manual, the curriculum will provide internationally recognised training in governance reform, strategic planning, financial oversight, organisational accountability, ethical leadership, safeguarding principles, policy implementation and institutional management.
Beyond classroom learning, the programme will also serve as a platform for mentorship and peer collaboration, enabling participants to build networks, exchange experiences, and sharpen their influence within their respective federations.
At its core, the initiative seeks to cultivate a new generation of women leaders equipped to shape policy, strengthen institutional effectiveness, and drive strategic progress across Nigerian sport.
The Nigerian Olympic Committee reiterated its commitment to working closely with government agencies and key stakeholders to improve board diversity, leadership performance and overall governance standards a step many observers consider long overdue in the country’s sports ecosystem.
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