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Tag: NIPOGA

  • Ashiru, Alausa sue for unity as NIPOGA Games begin in Offa

    Ashiru, Alausa sue for unity as NIPOGA Games begin in Offa

    Deputy Senate Leader Oyelola Yisa Ashiru and Minister of Education Dr Maruf T. Alausa at the weekend called for  peace at the opening ceremony of this year’s Nigeria Polytechnics Games Association (NIPOGA).

    The games dubbed ‘Ijakadi 2025,’ is being hosted by the Federal Polytechnic, Offa, Kwara state.

    Speaking with reporters on the sidelines of  the fiesta, Senator Ashiru, representing Kwara South in the National Assembly, said the event is an opportunity to showcase  the unity of Nigeria.

    “The takeaway from this (games)  is that in unity we can do great,” Ashiru said.“ In unity, we can achieve more. In unity Nigeria can be one of the greatest nations in the world.

    “This great event is taking place in very good time. It is an epochal time. I was amazed, happy and emotional when I saw our youths during the match pass. They came from every state in Nigeria. In spite of our diversity,” headed.

    He urged the athletes to strive to be the best always, adding: “when you strive to be the best in sports you will be the best everywhere.”

    Read Also: Beyond the game: 10 Super Eagles players with academic degrees

    Dr Alausa, represented by Director, Polytechnic Education and Allied Institutions, Dr Ejeh Usman, said that the fiesta will foster  the unity of Nigeria ‘that we are craving for’.

    “The message from  the minister is to encourage all the participating schools, rectors and all the polytechnics that this (games)  is a laudable.

    “The ministry is in support of promoting sports in education. Education without games is not complete. Education goes hand in hand with sports.”

    Also speaking, Chairman, Governing  Council of the Federal Polytechnic, Offa, Alhaji Moshood O Ojikutu, echoed  the earlier speakers.

    “I urge the participants to seize the opportunity to interact with one another and make new friends for the unity of the country,” Ojikutu added.

    Over 5,000 student-athletes and officials from polytechnics across the country are participating in various games.

    The games are featuring twelve different sports

    Earlier, institution’s Rector Dr. Kadiri Kamoru, who doubles as President of the NIPOGA caretaker committee,  described the hosting as symbolic, coming just before his second anniversary in office.

  • NIPOGA: Students congratulate Rector, Dean, HOD as Fedpoffa hosts 22nd NIPOGA

    NIPOGA: Students congratulate Rector, Dean, HOD as Fedpoffa hosts 22nd NIPOGA

    As Federal Polytechnic Offa (Fedpoffa) in Kwara State is set to host the 22nd Nigeria Polytechnic Games Association (NIPOGA) from the first week of April, the representative-body of the National Association of Strategic Communication and Media Students (NASCOMS) of the Department of Strategic Communication and Media Studies (SCMS) in the Institution has congratulated the Rector of the Polytechnic, Dr. Kadiri Kamoru, the Dean of School of Communication and Media Studies, Dr. David Oloyede, and the Head of the Department, Dr. Jimoh Olorede, on the hosting rights bestowed on the Polytechnic. 

    The NASCOMS body in a congratulatory statement by the Public Relations Officer, Mercy Jayeola as well as the Leader, Isaac Komolafe and the Scribe, Tominwa Oloyede said: “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.” 

    The statement commended Dr. Kadiri Kamoru-led administration, especially on what it referred to as “applaudable high level of preparedness and readiness” for the games. 

    “It further stated: “The epoch-making event would afford students from over 50 participating Polytechnics opportunity to explore, deploy and display their talents. 

    “We extend our commendation to all the stakeholders in Nigerian Polytechnics, as NIPOGA games are designed to promote unity, friendship, and healthy competition among polytechnic students, while also providing a platform for the discovery of new talents and the development of sports in Nigeria.

    “As this special event features a range of exciting sports, including football, basketball, volleyball, athletics, and more, we pray for a hitch-free sporting outing with resounding success as participants  compete for medals and trophies, with the expected emergence of ‘NIPOGA Champion’ as the overall Winner.”

  • NIPOGA: NAPS raises alarm over alleged marginalization of south-south

    NIPOGA: NAPS raises alarm over alleged marginalization of south-south

    …vows to shut down any hosting school with protest

    Barely five months to the kick-off of the 2024 edition of the Nigeria Polytechnic Games (NIPOGA), the National Association of Polytechnic Students (NAPS), has kicked against moves to zone the hosting rights to North Central for the third time.

    The 2024 edition of NIPOGA is expected to be held in October at a zone yet to be announced, but the student body is of the fear that it might be zoned to North Central again.

    To this end, the students called on the Minister of Education, Minister of Sports, Executive Secretary NBTE, Director General DSS, Inspector General of Police, National President ASUP, as well as all Polytechnic coaches to intervene in the matter to ensure justice and peace.

    The students noted that NIPOGA which is a biennial event was hosted two consecutive times by North Central, thereby denying other geopolitical zones the right to host the game.

    Addressing a press conference on Friday, June 7, in Kaduna to express their grievances over another plan to take the game to the North Central for the fourth time, the National President of NAPS, Comrade Ridwan Opeyemi Munirudeen said it is the turn of the South-South zone, specifically Delta State.

    “As a body representing the interest of Nigerian Polytechnic Students, we received the speculation of zoning the forthcoming Nigeria Polytechnic Games (NIPOGA 2024) back to North Central, Federal Polytechnic, Offa, Kwara State, precisely, we condemn and reject such desperate move in totality. 

    Read Also: Oborevwori decries under development of South-South

    “For record purposes, NIPOGA is a biennial event and it will interest you to know that the 18th edition was hosted by Federal Polytechnic, Bida, Niger State. The 19th edition was hosted by Federal Polytechnic, Nasarawa, Nasarawa State.

    “The 20th edition which was supposed to be done in the year 2019 was postponed to the year 2020 which was hosted in the North Central region, Kwara State Polytechnic, precisely February 5th to February 16th, 2020.

    “The 21st edition of NIPOGA was zoned to the Southwest and held in Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo, Ondo State in the year 2022 where Federal Polytechnic Ado Ekiti emerged as the overall winner and the NIPOGA flag was given to Delta State Polytechnic Ogwashi-Uku as the next host.

    “Dr. Gani Ogundahunsi the Rector of Rufus Giwa Polytechnic Owo and President of NIPOGA Council during his remark at the end of the NIPOGA in RUGIPO Owo clearly stated that the next host is Delta State Polytechnic Ogwashi-Uku and as well admonished Ogwashi-Uku to do better in 2024, unfortunately, reverse is about to be the game and this we sternly frown at.

    “Our findings made it clear that the next host which is Delta State Polytechnic Ogwashi-Uku has been preparing hugely for the NIPOGA 2024, suddenly tribal, religious, and regional politics started playing out.

    “We have received numerous complaints from both contingents and concerned Polytechnic stakeholders and so we passionately appeal to all that matters through to allow fairness in all ramifications as Nigeria students will not consent to the consideration of Federal Polytechnic Offa, Kwara State (North Central) for whatever reason as the next host.

    “If the preparation of Delta State Polytechnic Ogwashi-Uku is not sufficient enough then it’s either more time is given or another zone entirely is considered, it will be so unfair to think of zoning NIPOGA 2024 back to the North Central for the 3rd time in eight (8) years while institutions from other regions are yet to play host.

    “Nigeria has six (6) geo-political zones, so what happens to the institutions in South South, North West, North East, and South East?

    “The leadership of Nigeria students would appreciate deeply if our request is considered in the interest of National Unity, Federal Character, Justice, and Fairness to all geo-political zones in Nigeria.

    “Any attempt to force the game to be hosted by Federal Polytechnic Offa, the entire concerned students will be left with no option than to shut down the school in heavy protest”, Comrade Munirudeen said.

  • NIPOGA 2018: Kwarapoly inaugurates Sub-Committee

    NIPOGA 2018: Kwarapoly inaugurates Sub-Committee

    The Management of the Kwara State Polytechnic, Ilorin has set up sub-committees to ensure successful hosting of the 2018 NIPOGA.

    Speaking at the ceremony the Rector ,Alh Mas’ud Elelu explained that the members were picked based on their integrity, hard work and loyalty to the institution.

    He added that committee members should see their  membership as a call to serve to the institution in another capacity.

    He said with state -of -the-earth  facilities on ground at the polytechnic’s Games Village, all is set for another worthwhile achievement.

    He advised the committee members to look beyond what they can gain but work hard towards taking the positive image of the polytechnic to a greater height.

    While appealing to the State Government for support, he pledged to keep working hard for the sake of the polytechnic.

    In his remarks, the LOC Chairman, Mr Olanrewaju Idowu pledged that committee members will do all they can to ensure a successful hosting of the event.

    Responding on behalf of subcommittees, Mr James Ajiboye, appealed for maximum support from members towards a hitch free hosting.

    He pleaded with the management to create enabling environment in order to deliver the assignment with a high level of precision and minimum supervision.

    Earlier, the Registrar, Mr Moses Salami, had stressed the need for the committee to raise the bar beyond what was obtained in 1981 when the polytechnic first hosted NIPOGA.

  • First tertiary institutions football tourney to begin July 23

    First tertiary institutions football tourney to begin July 23

    …JAMB sponsors with N25m

    The first edition of the Tertiary Institutions Football Competition sponsored by the Joint Admissions Matriculation Board (JAMB) will hold between July 23 and July 30 in Ilorin.

    The Kwara Commissioner for Sports and Youth Development, Kale Ayo, told newsmen in Ilorin on Tuesday that the examination body had approved N25 million to sponsor the competition.

    Ayo who is the Chairman, Main Organising Committee (MOC) said the participants would be drawn from those who excel in NUGA, NIPOGA, COEGA and innovative entrepreneur institutions tournaments.

    He commended the JAMB Registrar, Prof. Is-haq Oloyede, for allowing the body to collaborate with the Kwara State Government to sponsor an annual JAMB National Tertiary Institutions Football Championship.

    Ayo however appealed to wealthy individuals and corporate organisations to emulate JAMB and sponsor competitions in other sports such as athletics, judo, squash, badminton, cycling and swimming.

    “This should be part of their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR),’’ he said.

    Also speaking, the Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Science and Technology in Kwara, Dr Aminah Ahmed, said sports should continue with its role of a unifying factor in the society.

    She encouraged Nigerians, particularly students of higher institutions in the state, to always engage in sports activities for physical and mental fitness.

    The state’s Director of Sports, Tunde Kazeem, disclosed that three venues would be used in Ilorin for the competition while 400 players and officials were expected at the seven-day event.

    He listed qualifiers for the tournament as the semi-finalists from the NUGA, NIPOGA and NICEGA football events, two institutions from hosts Kwara and other two from innovative entrepreneur institutions.

    `This makes it a competition for teams from 16 higher institutions,’’ Kazeem said.

    The Director of Sports said the top three winners would go home with  certificates and medals, while assuring that adequate security and medical care would be provided during the competition.

    He added that draws for the competition would be done a month before the event in Ilorin.

    In his contribution, Secretary of the MOC and General Manager of Radio Kwara, Abdullateef Adedeji, promised that the Committee would organise a befitting competition which stakeholders would be proud of.

  • 60 poly, colleges for NIPOGA

    Sixty polytechnics and colleges of technology will be competing for honours at the 18th Nigeria Polytechnic Games (NIPOGA) to be hosted by the Federal Polytechnic, Bida in November.

    Chairman, Local Organising Committee (LOC), Mallam Ibrahim Usman Buhari, made this known to reporters in Bida, highlighting the level of preparedness of the institution for the games.

    Buhari said the games tagged: ‘NIPOGA Bida 2014’, would kick off from last Saturday would end on November 15.

    According to him, athletes will compete for laurels in various fields and track events, which will include: football, basket ball, volley ball, tennis, badminton, and table tennis.

    Others are: chess, scrabble, taekwando, and various athletic events.

    The LOC chair said a new ultra-modern sports hall was being constructed and was expected to be completed before the end of October while two modern Basket Ball Courts had been completed with flood lights installed.

    The stadium complex, volley ball courts and other pitches to be used were being given a face-lift while the construction of a cynder track for track events is at advanced stage, he added.

    He added that a fundraiser dinner had been planned for Abuja on Thursday, September 18 chaired by Gen Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (rtd), with Alhaji Aliko Dangote as the chief launcher.

    The dinner, which will have in attendance distinguished personalities from across Nigeria, was expected to raise funds for the successful hosting of the games.

    Buhari assured that the LOC hoped to raise the bar in the forthcoming NIPOGA, adding that the host institution intends to use the contest to showcase the popular standard Bida Polytechnics operates.

  • Polytechnic woos games sponsors

    The Chairman of the Local Organising Committee of the 18th Nigeria Polytechnic Games (NIPOGA) scheduled for next June, Mallam Usman Buhari, has said the Federal Polytechnic, Bida in Niger State, needs N1.3 billion to host the games.

    He said: “We are determined to surpass what Ede did in all ramifications. We are providing a well-equipped media centre to enable journalists to file their reports. Our facilities will have flood light so as to have games played in the evening, which has never been done in the history of NIPOGA. Right now, work is ongoing at the two basketball courts. We are building a main bowl which will include tartan track, indoor sport hall, tennis court and we are upgrading our existing facilities.”

    Buhari called on corporate bodies to support the school by constructing some of these facilities. “They should take up one of these projects; build it and brand it. We don’t need their money, but the facilities. We are appealing to corporate organisations im Nigeria to assist us in providing the facilities that we need to host this game.

    The LOC chairman said there was no going back on the date for the games, adding that the institution has the facilities to accommodate all the 3000 athletes expected to participate in the games. He reiterated the commitment of the polytechnic to host all the games in Bida and ruled out the possibility of using Minna, the Niger State capital, as venue.

    Buhari said the school is not hosting the game to have a competitive edge over the participating schools.

    “We have put in place necessary structures to ensure mercenaries are fished out. People should not see it as a do or die event. We are not desperate to win but rather, we are determined to leave a lasting impression on the stakeholders. Bida is a friendly town and people here are always warm to receive visitors. We are working in conjunction with all relevant security agencies to ensure maximum security. We are going it all the attention it requires,” he stated.

    The LOC boss also urged the public to design a logo and mascot for the games which should reflect the environment (BIDA). The launching of the logo and mascot comes up next April. The organisers said the games would feature 15 sports. They included basket ball, handball, volley bal, football, athletics, hockey, table tennis, tennis taekwondo, squash, chess, scrabble, judo and badminton.