The Federal Polytechnic, Offa, in Kwara State, Nigeria, is gearing up to host the 22nd edition of the Nigeria Polytechnic Games (NIPOGA), aptly themed “IJAKADI 2024.” This landmark event, scheduled to run from April 2nd to 12th, 2025, marks the first time the institution will host the prestigious games in its 33-year history. The polytechnic’s two campuses will serve as venues for the competition, welcoming student-athletes from approximately 50 polytechnics across the nation. These athletes will compete in a diverse array of sporting disciplines, including badminton, basketball, chess, tennis, athletics, football, handball, judo, scrabble, taekwondo, and volleyball.
The institution has undertaken extensive preparations to ensure a successful and memorable NIPOGA experience for all participants. Upgraded sporting facilities and equipment are in place, including a state-of-the-art multi-purpose sports complex. The Rector, Engr. Kamoru Kadiri, envisions a games edition that sets a new standard for participation, officiating, sportsmanship, camaraderie, inclusivity, and social cohesion. Beyond the competition itself, the event is anticipated to foster connections, bridge divides, and celebrate the rich diversity of Nigeria’s polytechnic community.
Accommodation arrangements for the student-athletes and officials have received significant attention, with hostel facilities undergoing extensive renovations and reconstruction to guarantee comfort. Medical provisions are equally prioritized, with dedicated medical facilities allocated for the games, alongside ambulance services. The Medical Director has been instructed to ensure seamless access to medical resources, and a specialized Medical Sub-Committee has been established by the Local Organizing Committee (LOC) to address any medical contingencies that may arise during the games.
The Federal Polytechnic, Offa, views the NIPOGA games not merely as a competition for medals, but as a platform to identify and nurture emerging sporting talent. With 30% of the medals at the last Olympics won by young athletes and undergraduates, the tournament holds immense potential to serve as a springboard for student participation in international sporting events. This underscores the institution’s commitment to maintaining high standards throughout the games.
Beyond the immediate sporting realm, hosting the NIPOGA games presents several broader benefits. These include promoting physical and mental well-being, contributing to the socioeconomic development of the Offa community, and creating valuable networking opportunities for organizers and participants alike. The Rector has emphasized the importance of these ancillary benefits and underscored the institution’s commitment to ensuring a secure and well-organized event.
To realize the full potential of the games, the Rector has appealed for increased sponsorship, recognizing the significant investment required for a successful and impactful event. The institution’s commitment to hosting a memorable and enriching NIPOGA experience is evident in the meticulous preparations undertaken across all facets of the games, from accommodation and medical facilities to ensuring a secure environment for all participants. The “IJAKADI 2024” games promise to be a memorable showcase of sporting talent and a celebration of the unifying power of sports in Nigeria’s polytechnic community.
