NSSF President Olabisi Joseph joins ISF Management Committee

President of the Nigerian School Sports Federation (NSSF) Olabisi Joseph has achieved another milestone in international school sports administration following his appointment as a member of the Steering Committee of the International School Sports Federation (ISF).

Joseph’s latest promotion comes just days after making history as the first African woman and the first woman globally to be elected as ISF Continental President for Africa and member of the Executive Committee of the federation.

His nomination to the Management Committee was confirmed during the ISF Annual General Meeting held on July 21where it was selected together Elena Mickovska of North Macedonia.

Seven-member committee to lead the ISF

Joseph and Mickovska complete the seven-member Management Committee that will oversee the governance of the federation during the period 2026-2030.

The committee is composed of the ISF President. Zeljko TanaskovićVice Presidents Antônio Hora Filho, Youssef Belqasmiand Lianshuai TengSecretary General Hasnae El Ayoubias well as Joseph and Mickovska.

According to the ISF, the establishment of the Management Committee represents an important milestone in shaping the federation’s governance structure for the new administration.

In the coming months, the Executive and Management Committees are expected to reconstitute specialized bodies, including the ISF Technical Commissionas part of efforts to strengthen the development and governance of school sport around the world.

Serbia reaffirms its support for school sports

The inaugural meeting of the newly formed Executive Committee was attended by Dejan BojovicGeneral Secretary of the Serbian Olympic Committee.

Bojović welcomed the committee members and reaffirmed Serbia’s commitment to supporting the ISF’s mission to promote school sports globally through stronger international cooperation.

His comments highlighted the importance of collaborative leadership to expand opportunities for young athletes on different continents.

Historic recognition for Nigeria

Joseph’s appointment further reinforces Nigeria’s growing profile in international sports administration while highlighting his continued contributions to the development of school sports.

The ISF described his election as a reflection of the federation’s commitment to greater diversity and inclusion within its leadership structures.

“The new Executive Committee reflects the growing diversity of the ISF community. Gender representation continues to develop across the Federation, with three new advisors elected to the Executive Committee. Olabisi Joseph of Nigeria, a former member of the ISF Executive Committee, was also elected as the first female ISF Continental President,” the federation said.

A milestone for African school sports

Joseph’s appointment marks another significant development for African representation in the global governance of school sport.

As President of the Nigerian School Sports Federation, she has played a leadership role in promoting grassroots sports and expanding opportunities for student-athletes across the country.

His inclusion in the ISF Management Committee not only strengthens Nigeria’s voice in shaping international school sports policies, but also signals a new era of inclusive leadership within the federation.

The appointment is expected to further enhance Africa’s participation in global school sports initiatives while inspiring more women to take up leadership roles in sports administration.