HND/degree dichotomy won’t affect NIPOGA – Minister

The Federal government’s plan to streamline the university degree with the Higher National Diploma being awarded by polytechnics will not affect the Nigeria Polytechnics Games, the Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa has said.

Speaking on Saturday at the opening ceremony of the 22nd Nigeria Polytechnics Games themed “Ijakadi 2025” holding at the Federal Polytechnic, Offa, Kwara State, Alausa said that despite the Federal Government’s efforts to streamline HND/University Degree dichotomy, the polytechnics games would continue to hold.

The minister whose speech was delivered by the Director Polytechnic and Allied Education, Federal Ministry of Education, Dr Ejeh Usman, said “NIPOGA, will continue despite plans by federal government to streamline the education in the country.

“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.