– Education Minister, NSC Chairman, and Top Dignitaries to Attend Opening Ceremony
The Federal Polytechnic Offa, Kwara State, is set to host the 22nd Nigeria Polytechnic Games (NIPOGA) from April 5 to April 12, 2025, bringing together 53 polytechnics for a week of intense sporting competition, cultural exchange, and economic engagement.
Dr. Oluwakemi Ogungbamigbe, Chairman of the Media and Publicity Committee, confirmed that all preparations are in place for the major sporting event, which will see over 4,000 athletes competing in athletics, football, basketball, volleyball, tennis, chess, scrabble, handball, badminton, table tennis, judo, and taekwondo.
A Platform for Talent Discovery and National Unity
The Secretary General of NIPOGA, Mallam Abubakar Abdullahi, revealed that contingents from states such as Delta, Taraba, Bauchi, Rivers, Osun, and Ekiti have already begun arriving.
> “All necessary arrangements have been made to ensure a smooth and successful NIPOGA,” he assured.
Speaking at a press conference, the Rector of Federal Polytechnic Offa, Engr. Dr. Kadiri Kamoru Oluwatoyin, FNSE, emphasized that the games are not just about competition but also about fostering unity, inclusiveness, and national cohesion among students.
> “This tournament will serve as a platform for talent discovery and future international sports participation. If we get it right at this level, we will be securing the future of Nigerian sports,” he stated.
Celebrating Offa’s Rich Culture & Technological Innovations
Themed ‘Ijakadi 2024,’ this edition of NIPOGA takes inspiration from the traditional Ijakadi wrestling festival of Offa, which symbolizes equality, unity, and justice—values that align with the spirit of fair competition at NIPOGA.
In addition to sports, the Federal Polytechnic Offa will showcase groundbreaking technological innovations developed by its students and faculty. These include:
Okin-EV1 Electric Car
Okin-EBicycle
A full-color digital advertising billboard
A 3D printer
This exhibition highlights the institution’s commitment to technological advancement, sustainability, and entrepreneurship.
Security and Readiness for the Games
Dr. Salmon Ishiaq Rasheed, Chairman of the Local Organizing Committee (LOC) and Deputy Rector (Administration), confirmed that all game facilities are ready, and robust security measures have been implemented. The security arrangements involve the Kwara State Police Command, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Man O’ War, and local security agencies, ensuring the safety of athletes, officials, and spectators.
Dignitaries Expected at the Opening Ceremony
The event will attract top government officials and dignitaries, including:
Dr. Tunji Alausa – Minister for Education
Mallam Abdulrahman Abdulrasaq – Governor of Kwara State
Mr. Shehu Dikko – Chairman, National Sports Commission
Prof. Idris Bugaje – Executive Secretary, National Board for Technical Education (NBTE)
Alhaji Moshood Ojikutu – Chairman, Governing Council, Federal Polytechnic Offa
Engr. Dr. Kadiri Kamoru Oluwatoyin, FNSE – Rector, Federal Polytechnic Offa (Chief Host)
Oba Mufutau Muhammad Gbadamosi Okikiola Oloyede Esuwoye II, Ajagungbade I – Olofa of Offa (Royal Host & Father of the Day)
With top-level sportsmanship, cultural heritage, and innovation on display, the 22nd NIPOGA Games in Offa promises to be a landmark event in Nigerian polytechnic sports history.
