Offa Polytechnic to host 22nd NIPOGA in April 2025

The Federal Polytechnic, Offa, Kwara State, is set to host the 22nd edition of the Nigeria Polytechnic Games (NIPOGA), tagged “IJAKADI 2024.” The sporting event will take place from April 2 to April 12, 2025.

Speaking to journalists on Monday at the institution’s campus in Offa, the Rector, Engr. Kamoru Kadiri, expressed excitement as the polytechnic prepares to host the NIPOGA games for the first time in its 33-year history. He stated that the competition would be held across both campuses of the institution.

Kadiri revealed that student-athletes from approximately 50 polytechnics across Nigeria would participate in various sports, including badminton, basketball, chess, tennis, athletics, football, handball, judo, scrabble, taekwondo, and volleyball. He assured that upgraded sports facilities, along with a newly developed ultra-modern multipurpose sports complex, are ready for the tournament.

Highlighting his vision for the event, the Rector emphasized the importance of participation, officiating, sportsmanship, inclusiveness, friendship, and social cohesion. He further noted that accommodations for student-athletes and officials had undergone extensive renovation to ensure comfort. Medical facilities have also been prepared, with ambulance services and healthcare provisions arranged by the Medical Sub-Committee set up by the Local Organizing Committee (LOC).

“For us as the host institution, the tournament is not just about winning medals but about fostering connections, breaking barriers, and celebrating diversity,” Kadiri stated.

He also underscored the significance of grassroots sports development, pointing out that 30 percent of medals at the last Olympics were won by youths and undergraduates. According to him, the NIPOGA tournament will serve as a platform for talent discovery and a stepping stone for student-athletes to participate in international sporting events. To achieve this, he stressed the importance of maintaining high competition standards.

Kadiri called for increased sponsorship to ensure the tournament’s success, highlighting the numerous benefits of sports engagement, including physical and mental health improvements, socioeconomic development for Offa town, and networking opportunities for participants and organizers. He also assured that security measures for the national event would be stringent and uncompromising.