Offa hosts 50 polytechnics as 22nd NIPOGA begins today

The Federal Polytechnic, Offa, Kwara State will as from Wednesday (today), play host to 50 polytechnics across the country for the 22nd edition of Nigeria Polytechnic Games which will end on Saturday, April 12, 2025.

The competition tagged, ‘IJAKADI 2025’ will feature both male and female athletes who would compete for medals in sporting events including; badminton, basketball, chess, tennis, athletics, football, handball, judo, scrabble, taekwondo and volleyball among others.

The Rector of the Polytechnic, Dr Kamoru Kadiri, said that it is the first time the institution is hosting the NIPOGA sporting events in its 33 years of establishment, added that the events would take place on both campuses of the institution.

Kadiri also said that upgraded sporting facilities and equipment are ready for the sporting competition, as well as ultra modern multipurpose sports complex, adding that his vision for the games is to make them different in terms of 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.”

In a statement issued on Monday, Body of the National Association of Strategic Communication and Media Students, of the Department of Strategic Communication and Media Studies congratulated the Rector on hosting the competition.

They also congratulated the Dean of School of Communication and Media Studies, Dr David Oloyede, and the Head of the Department, Dr Jimoh Olorede, on winning the hosting rights of the event.

“Hosting over 50 participating higher institutions across the nation shows the upcoming sporting event is an epoch that would further showcase Dr Kadiri’s exploits as well as his administration’s milestone since his assumption of office as rector of the polytechnic.

“Truly, Fedpoffa is the fastest-growing polytechnic in Nigeria given the institution’s milestones in the last 33 years of its establishment.”