The Federal Government’s initiative to align university degrees with Higher National Diplomas (HND) awarded by polytechnics will not disrupt the Nigeria Polytechnics Games (NIPOGA), according to the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa.

Speaking at the opening ceremony of the 22nd Nigeria Polytechnics Games (NIPOGA), themed “Ijakadi 2025” at the Federal Polytechnic, Offa, Kwara State, on Saturday, Alausa emphasised that the games would remain a fixture despite ongoing reforms to bridge the HND/degree divide.

Represented by Dr. Ejeh Usman, Director of Polytechnic and Allied Education at the Federal Ministry of Education, the Minister stated: “NIPOGA will continue to thrive even as the government works to harmonise Nigeria’s educational system. These games are a celebration of talent, unity, and the unique identity of polytechnic education.”

“We will still have polytechnics. What the federal government is saying concerns when polytechnics want to award degrees. FG hasn’t cancelled polytechnics. Therefore NIPOGA will continue.

“Some polytechnics who like to award degrees could apply for it and If they are accredited by the National Universities Commission and the National Board for Technical Education, it’s a dual mandate.”

Ejeh further stated that the minister is satisfied with the quality of the organisation of the NIPOGA in Offa, saying the school has the full backing of the government.

“The message of the minister is to encourage all the participating schools, rectors and all the polytechnics that this is laudable.

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

The Rector of Federal Polytechnic, Offa, Kadiri Kamoru highlighted the institution’s achievements, including securing the hosting rights for the 22nd NIPOGA Games for the first time in over 30 years of the establishment of the institution.

The Rector expresses gratitude to various stakeholders for their support and leadership and described the event as historic, featuring 12 sports and over 5,000 participants, with nationwide broadcast coverage to showcase Nigeria’s sporting talent.

Also speaking at the event, the Chairman of, the Governing Council, Federal Polytechnic, Offa, Alhaji Moshood Ojikutu and the Senator representing Kwara South Senatorial district, Lola Ashiru, said that the sporting event helps further unify the Nigerian youths.