In a significant move to professionalize sports instruction in Nigeria, the Institute of Education (IOE) at Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, launched a specialized Three (3) Months Part-Time Certificate Course in Basketball Coaching (CCBC) during the 2018/2019 academic session. This initiative addressed a critical gap in the Nigerian basketball landscape: the need for formal, recognizable qualifications for technical officers responsible for training the nation’s athletes.
A Comprehensive Training Framework
The CCBC program was designed to be both rigorous and accessible to working professionals. Spanning a total of three months, the curriculum was divided into two distinct phases:
Six Weeks of Contact Period: Intensive classroom and practical sessions held on weekends (Fridays and Saturdays) to accommodate part-time students.
Six Weeks of Field Work: A practical phase where aspiring coaches applied their learned techniques in real-world coaching environments.
Admission and Professional Standards
The university set clear benchmarks to ensure a high standard of participants. The minimum requirement for entry was a SSCE/GCE O/L certificate, though possessing a recognized diploma or degree was considered a distinct advantage. Recognizing the value of practical skill, the program also opened its doors to individuals with a proven “good knowledge/experience in basketball,” even if they lacked formal academic credentials.
The financial commitment for the 2018/2019 session included:
Application Fee: N5,300 (including bank charges).
Tuition Fee: N60,000.
Impact on Nigerian Basketball
By housing this coaching certificate within the Institute of Education, ABU Zaria transitioned basketball coaching from a purely experiential “former player” model to an academic discipline. This program provided “Want-a-be Coaches” with a Minimum Recognizable Qualification, instilling the self-confidence needed to effectively develop Nigerian basketball players for national and international success.
This academic endeavor, signed off by C.E. Emeh Esq., remains a cornerstone in the university’s mission to be the premier hub for basketball excellence in Africa.