FG picks Fedpoffa as National Sports Centre of Excellence, North Central

Inaugurates committee on sports curriculum

Following a Presidential mandate on Sports Development, The Federal Polytechnic Offa has been officially designated as the Centre of Excellence for Sports Development by the Federal Ministry of Education. This prestigious appointment was announced by the Honourable Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, during the inauguration of a 20-member National Committee on Sports Curriculum Review on 14th August, 2025, in Abuja.

The initiative, a presidential mandate executed in partnership with the National Sports Commission, aims to revolutionize sports education and development across Nigeria's tertiary institutions. The Federal Polytechnic Offa stands as the sole Polytechnic selected for this honour in the North Central zone and nationwide.

Further elevating the institution's role, the Rector, Engr. Dr. Kadiri Kamoru Oluwatoyin, FNSE, nominated Dr. Isiaka Tunji Agboola to represent FEDPOFFA on this high-powered ministerial committee. Dr. Agboola, a seasoned administrator, the immediate Past Registrar of Federal Polytechnic, Ede and presently Director of Administration at the Polytechnic's Entrepreneurship Development Centre (EDC), was formally inaugurated alongside distinguished heads of educational regulatory bodies and federal ministries.

Reacting to the achievement, the Rector described the Centre of Excellence designation as both an honour and a call to higher responsibility. He stated that the objective is to reposition sports as a major economic driver for national development.

According to him, “This recognition is most deserving. The Federal Polytechnic Offa has a long and proud tradition in sports, exemplified by our record-breaking hosting of the ‘Ijakadi Offa 2024 NIPOGA Games,’ officially confirmed as the largest gathering in the games' history,” Dr. Kadiri said. “Beyond academics, we have always believed in the power of sports as a unifying force, a tool for youth development, and a vehicle for building character and resilience.”

Furthermore, Engr. Dr. Kadiri lauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led administration and the Honourable Minister of Education for their foresight, assuring that FEDPOFFA would justify the confidence reposed in it. He also noted that the decision aligns perfectly with the Federal Ministry of Education's reform agenda to diversify the functions of tertiary institutions beyond classroom teaching.

On his part, Dr. Agboola expressed deep honour at his nomination, noting the high calibre of fellow committee members. "Professionally, it is a very significant achievement for our Polytechnic. To be the only polytechnic nominated is a testament to our standing," he stated.

Speaking further, he outlined the key responsibilities, which include reviewing existing sports curricula, revitalizing sports infrastructure, and fostering national physical fitness. A major objective is to integrate sports studies with fields like physiotherapy and medicine while upskilling trainers and trainees.

While highlighting the institution's existing facilities and history as key factors in its selection, he lamented the decline of Nigeria's sporting culture and emphasized the committee's role in rebuilding from the foundation through robust curricula.

In his words, "I am bringing in my very best. I don't do things in half measures. I will see to it that there would be great success in my achievements with this new role,"

“For FEDPOFFA to be singled out as a Centre of Excellence from among all the Polytechnics in Nigeria is a monumental achievement. We must all work together effectively to ensure its success,” he added.

He therefore lauded the Rector’s leadership in championing curriculum reforms, unbundling of key Units/Departments, unbreakable skills development, and innovation,"

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