Stakeholders in education have described the Nigeria Polytechnic Games Association (NIPOGA) as a landmark sporting event for national unity and youth development.
Speaking in the ancient town of Offa, Offa local government area of Kwara State on Saturday while declaring the NIPOGA games open at the Federal Polytechnic, Offa, the executive secretary of the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), Professor Idris Bugaje, urged students to embrace the spirit of unity and friendship as they compete.
Over 5,000 student-athletes and officials from polytechnics across Nigeria stormed the institution for the 22nd edition of the games, tagged IJAKADI 2024, as the event features 12 sporting competitions, drawing the attention of sports enthusiasts nationwide.
“This is not a battlefield, but a forum for discovering talents and forging friendships. Let peace and mutual respect guide your actions,” Bugaje said.
He also applauded the management of Federal Polytechnic Offa, led by Rector Engineer Dr. Kadiri Kamoru Oluwatoyin, for hosting the prestigious competition, calling it a testimony to the institution’s rising profile in Nigeria’s technical education sector.
Also, chairman of the Council of Heads of Polytechnics and Colleges of Technology in Nigeria (COHEADS), Dr. Usman Sani Tunga, described the games as more than just a sporting event, but a family gathering for Nigeria’s polytechnic community.
“This edition of NIPOGA reflects unprecedented collaboration and participation by institutional leadership. It’s more than sports—it’s about building community, discovering young talents, and promoting national integration”, but said.
He called on scouts at the national and state levels to take advantage of the event, saying Nigerian polytechnics are filled with untapped sporting potential. “Come to Offa and see the future of Nigerian sports”, he urged.
Rector of the Federal Polytechnic Offa and President, NIPOGA caretaker Committee, Engineer Dr. Kadiri Kamoru Oluwatoyin, said the games are not only historic but symbolic, coinciding with the eve of his second anniversary in office.
He highlighted the games as a platform to showcase the positive energy of Nigerian youth.
“This is more than just sports. The eyes of the nation are on us. Let’s show that we are not only a land of challenges but also a land of hope, skill, and unity,” he said.
Chairman of the Governing Council of the polytechnic, Alhaji Moshood Ojikutu, described the hosting of NIPOGA as a dream come true.
“This moment shows how far Offa Polytechnic has come. Our facilities are ready, and our people are welcoming. We are proud to host Nigeria,” he said.
The Minister of Education, Hon. Tunji Alausa, alongside the Olafa of Offa and other dignitaries, graced the ceremony, and further elevating the profile of the event.
As the games officially began, athletes, coaches and fans flooded Offa with excitement, with many describing the town as a fitting host for a festival of sports and culture.
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