FCAH&PT Ibadan shines at NICARDGA 2025, wins 10 gold medals

The Federal College of Animal Health and Production Technology (FCAH&PT), Moor Plantation, Ibadan, has been widely commended for its outstanding performance at the just-concluded Nigerian Colleges of Agriculture and Related Disciplines Games (NICARDGA) 2025, held in Vom/Kuru, Plateau State.

The biannual competition, which ran from November 23 to December 6, 2025, featured 16 colleges of agriculture and related disciplines from across Nigeria. FCAH&PT Ibadan participated with a contingent of 18 student-athletes who competed in basketball, volleyball, badminton, track and field, as well as selected board games.

At the end of the championship, the Ibadan-based institution emerged as one of the dominant forces at the games, winning an impressive total of 10 gold medals, five silver medals, and three bronze medals.

The performance placed the college third overall on the medals table, behind FCAH&PT Vom and the Federal College of Agriculture, Akure. However, analysts noted that based on the size of its contingent and the volume of medals won, FCAH&PT Ibadan recorded the best overall outing at NICARDGA 2025.

Ondo govt adopts sports infrastructure as youth devt policy

Track and field proved to be the college’s strongest area, as its male athletes swept gold medals in the 100m, 200m, 400m, 800m, and 1500m events. The female athletes also dominated, claiming gold in the 100m, 200m, 400m, and 800m races. The college’s dominance was capped with victory in the mixed 4x400m relay, a performance that underscored its supremacy on the track.

In basketball, the college also impressed, finishing second overall after a series of disciplined and high-energy performances. By the close of the competition, FCAH&PT Ibadan secured four major trophies, including Overall Athletics Winner, Best Male Athlete with the Highest Number of Medals, Best Female Athlete with the Highest Number of Medals, and an additional team award that highlighted its all-round excellence.

Speaking after the competition, the Director of Sports, Dr Oladapo Agbato, described the achievements as the product of vision, discipline, and unwavering belief in student potential.

He called on the National Sports Commission to formally adopt and support NICARDGA, noting that such backing would strengthen grassroots sports development while promoting unity, physical fitness, and youth engagement within the agricultural education sector.

According to him, a stronger NICARDGA structure would not only raise sporting standards but also contribute to national objectives in youth development, health promotion, and economic diversification through agriculture.

The college management, led by the Provost, Dr Chidi Okpeze, gave the returning contingent a warm and celebratory reception on campus.

Addressing staff and students, Okpeze commended the athletes and officials for their discipline, resilience, and exemplary conduct throughout the competition. He noted that the institution has consistently performed well at NICARDGA, adding that the 2025 outing further reaffirmed its tradition of excellence.

He also assured that his administration remains fully committed to the continuous development of sports at the college.

Observers within the sporting and academic community describe Agbato as a motivator and an enigma whose results speak louder than words.

Under his leadership, sports at FCAH&PT Ibadan have evolved from routine participation to competitive excellence, with athletes consistently achieving remarkable success despite limited resources.

Agbato led the delegation alongside a dedicated support team comprising Ajani Dayo, Popoola Waheed, Charles Onwuka, and Mrs Osadiya, who played key roles in training coordination, logistics, and athlete welfare throughout the games.

Many stakeholders believe Agbato’s approach deserves closer study, as his ability to inspire excellence from modest structures offers valuable lessons for sports development across Nigerian tertiary institutions.