Auchi Polytechnic burst into colour and celebration on Saturday as it made history by hosting the 22nd edition of the Nigeria Polytechnic Senior Staff Games Association (NIPOSSGA), drawing participants from across the country to its newly upgraded sports complex.
The opening ceremony, held at the institution’s sports arena, featured a vibrant parade of contingents from 59 polytechnics, signalling the start of a 10-day sporting fiesta that will see senior staff compete in football, volleyball, tennis, badminton, table tennis, chess, scrabble, draughts, darts, ludo, ayo, monopoly, whot and tug-of-war.
History was further underscored when the ceremonial torch was lit by Apostle Johnson Suleman, General Overseer of Omega Fire Ministry, alongside the Chairman of the Governing Council, Prof Jonathan Mamu Ayuba, and other dignitaries, officially declaring the games open.
In his address, the Rector of Auchi Polytechnic, Dr Salisu Shehu Umar, said the institution was proud to host a competition that symbolises unity and peaceful coexistence among Nigeria’s polytechnics. He noted that the purpose of NIPOSSGA aligns strongly with the institution’s mission.
“Our enthusiasm to host this year’s edition is rooted in our desire to align the competition’s purpose with our mission, which is to offer training in skills and knowledge in science, technology and the arts for the use of the brain, mind and hands in promoting self-reliance, technological advancement and sustainable national development,” he said.
Dr Umar added that the games would also serve as an avenue for staff to enhance their mental fitness and cognitive capacity, further strengthening their drive for innovation and self-reliance.
He expressed gratitude to the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), organisers, staff unions and participating institutions for their confidence in Auchi Polytechnic’s capacity to deliver a memorable tournament.
“Permit me to express a resounding appreciation to the enunciators of this competition, the NBTE, and the senior staff of polytechnics across the country. To all contingents from about 54 institutions, thank you for honouring us with your presence and trusting in our hospitality. I now have the honour and privilege to officially declare the 22nd NIPOSSGA Games open. I wish you all a memorable experience in the Auchi Polytechnic community,” he said.
The opening football match set the tone for the competition as hosts Auchi Polytechnic defeated Federal Polytechnic Bida 3–0, securing an early lead and energising the home crowd.
The games, scheduled to run from Thursday 4 to Sunday 14 December 2025, will take place across multiple venues within the institution, including the football sports complex, staff quarters field, volleyball and tennis courts, SS Umar Indoor Sports Hall, bursary and engineering boardrooms, and designated recreational areas for indoor games.
With the atmosphere already electric and expectations high, the 22nd NIPOSSGA Games promise to deliver the most memorable edition yet in the competition’s history.
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