The Federal Polytechnic, Offa in Kwara State is gearing up to host the 22nd edition of the Nigeria Polytechnic Games, tagged ‘IJAKADI 2024’.
In a recent interview on campus, Rector Engr Kamoru Kadiri announced that the NIPOGA will take place from April 2nd to April 12th, 2025.
He noted that this is the first time in the institution’s 33-year history that it has hosted the sporting event, which will be staged across both of its campuses.
Kadiri also revealed that approximately 50 polytechnics from across the nation will send student-athletes to compete in sports such as badminton, basketball, chess, tennis, athletics, football, handball, judo, scrabble, taekwondo, and volleyball.
He added that the polytechnic’s upgraded sports facilities, including an ultra-modern multipurpose sports complex and state-of-the-art equipment—are all set to deliver a high-standard competition.
His vision for the games is to distinguish them through exceptional participation, officiating, sportsmanship, friendship, inclusiveness, and social cohesion.
“Our hostel accommodations/lodgings have undergone massive renovations and reconstruction to ensure the comfort of student-athletes and their officials. Medical facilities have also been put in place for the games as I have directed the Medical Director to grant the LOC permission to use any of its medical facilities as well as provide ambulance services and whatever gaps are found in the course of the games will be properly taken care of by the Medical Sub-Committee set up by the LOC for the NIPOGA games.
“For us as a host institution, the tournament is not just about winning medals, it is about fostering connections, breaking barriers and celebrating diversity.”
The Rector further emphasized that the mandate for hosting the NIPOGA is to extend sports to the grassroots.
He explained, “It must be noted that 30 per cent of the medals at the last Olympics were won by the youths and undergraduates.
“To this end, this tournament will provide an opportunity for talent identification and serve as a veritable springboard for students’ participation in international sporting events. This is why we have to make sure that the standard of the games is top-notch.”
Calling for increased sponsorship to bolster the event’s success, Kadiri highlighted the multiple benefits of such competitions, which include physical and mental health improvements, socioeconomic development for the ancient town of Offa, and enhanced networking among organizers and participants.
He also assured that security arrangements for the national event would be both robust and uncompromising.
