No fewer than 53 polytechnics have registered to participate in the 22nd edition of the Nigeria Polytechnic Games (NIPOGA), set to take place at the Federal Polytechnic, Offa, Kwara State, from April 5 to 12.
According to the Chairman of the Media and Publicity Committee, Dr. Oluwakemi Ogungbamigbe, the event will feature various sports, cultural exchanges, and economic activities.
Athletes from different polytechnics will compete in events such as athletics, football, basketball, volleyball, tennis, chess, scrabble, handball, badminton, table tennis, judo, and taekwondo.
NIPOGA Secretary General, Mallam Abubakar Abdullahi, confirmed that 53 polytechnics, with about 4,000 athletes, had completed their registration. Contingents from states including Delta, Taraba, Bauchi, Rivers, Osun, and Ekiti have already arrived, while others are on their way.
The Rector of the Federal Polytechnic, Offa, Dr. Kadiri Kamoru, described the event as an opportunity to foster friendship, inclusivity, and social cohesion among students, as well as a platform for identifying talents for international sports participation.
The theme for this year’s edition, “Ijakadi 2024,” is inspired by the traditional Ijakadi festival of Offa, symbolizing equality, unity, and justice, which aligns with the spirit of the games.