No fewer than 53 polytechnics across Nigeria have registered to participate in the 22nd edition of the Nigeria Polytechnic Games Association (NIPOGA), scheduled to hold from April 5 to 12, 2025, at the Federal Polytechnic, Offa, Kwara State.
In a press statement released on Thursday, the Chairman, Media and Publicity Committee, Dr. Oluwakemi Ogungbamigbe, confirmed that the eight-day event will feature a combination of sports competitions, cultural exchange, and economic activities.
Athletes will compete in a wide range of events including football, athletics, basketball, volleyball, table tennis, lawn tennis, badminton, handball, chess, scrabble, judo, and taekwondo.
The Secretary General of NIPOGA, Mallam Abubakar Abdullahi, revealed that over 4,000 athletes had completed registration as of the time of filing the report. He also noted that several contingents from states such as Delta, Taraba, Bauchi, Rivers, Osun, and Ekiti had already arrived, while others were en route to the host town.
At a pre-event press conference, the Rector of the Federal Polytechnic, Offa, Dr. Kadiri Kamoru, expressed confidence in the institution’s readiness to host the games. He emphasized that the tournament would serve not only as a platform for healthy competition but also for promoting inclusion and national unity among students.
This edition is not just about winning medals, Dr. Kamoru stated. It’s about building friendships, discovering talent, and strengthening the social fabric of our nation through sports.
Themed Ijakadi 2025, this year’s edition draws inspiration from Offa’s traditional wrestling festival, known for its symbolism of fairness, unity, and justice. Dr. Kamoru explained that the theme reflects the core values of the games and the cultural pride of the host community.
With participants coming from diverse backgrounds, the Ijakadi theme underscores the importance of equal opportunity and mutual respect, principles we want every athlete to embrace, he said.
As preparations reach their final stages, expectations are high for a vibrant and impactful NIPOGA Games that will leave lasting memories in the hearts of athletes, officials, and the host community alike.
