By Eche Amos, Nasarawa
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The 5th edition of the Federal Education Sector Games(FEDUGAM), held in collaboration with the Nasarawa State Government, drew to a close in a grand finale of fanfare and jubilation in Lafia, the Nasarawa State Capital, on Saturday, 9th August, 2025, as Nigeria’s Minister of Education(State), Professor Suwaiba Said Ahmad, declared the event closed.
The occasion was marked by a spectacular display of triumph and camaraderie among the participating Educational Agencies, as the overall champions emerged victorious.
Throughout the Games, athletes showcased exceptional talent, sportsmanship, dedication, team spirit, and unity among the Agencies, making the one-week long event a resounding success.
The Federal Ministry of Education were crowned as overall champions amidst thunderous applause after scooping a total of 45 medals, comprising nineteen gold, eighteen silver and eight bronze medals.
National Examinations Council, NECO, emerged 2nd overall best, winning a total of 47 medals, including 13 gold, 17 silver and 17 bronze medals.
Universal Basic Education Commission, UBEC, came 3rd with 11 medals, comprising three gold, three silver, and five bronze medals.
Tertiary Education Trust Fund(TETFUND) came 4th with 5 medals; National Universities Commission(NUC) were 5th overall with five medals.
Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board(JAMB), NMEC, National Commission for Colleges of Education(NCCE), and National Library of Nigeria(NLN), finished 6th, 7th, 8th and 9th positions respectively.
A total of twenty-two Federal Education Agencies participated in the competition which began on 4th August, 2025, across several venues in Lafia, Nasarawa State, featuring thirteen sporting events, including Football(Male), Scrabble(Male and Female), Chess(Male and Female), Ayo(Male and Female), Draught(Male and Female), Badminton(Male and Female), Tennis(Male and Female), Basketball(Male and Female), Table Tennis(Male and Female), Volleyball(Male and Female), Handball, Dart(Male and Female), and Athletics(Male and Female).
In his closing remarks, the Honourable Minister of State for Education, Professor Suwaiba Said Ahmad, represented by the Vice Chancellor, Federal University of Lafia, Prof. Shehu Abdulrahman (represented by Prof. Ibrahim Ogiri Usman), commended the participating Agencies for their exemplary display of sportsmanship and teamwork.
He noted that the games had not only promoted physical fitness and healthy competition but also fostered a sense of unity and cooperation among the Agencies.
The Minister, while commending Governor Abdullahi Sule and the Nasarawa State Government for providing resources, a serene and hospitable atmosphere for the entire duration of the competition, mentioned Edo State as hosts of the 6th edition of the Games in 2026.
Director of Administration and Supplies, Nasarawa State Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, Ms Helen Ken Madaki, who represented the Honourable Commissioner of the Ministry, Kwanta Yakubu, at the event, congratulated the participants for fusing together to ensure a hitch-free tournament.
She reiterated the commitment of the Nasarawa State Government, under the leadership of Governor Abdullahi Sule, to continue to support the development of sports and sports stakeholders in the State, while wishing all participants a safe return their various destinations.
Earlier, Chairman of the Games Steering Committee/ Main Organizing Committee, and Director of Human Management, Federal Ministry of Education, Saeed Yusuf, represented by the Deputy Director, SW &, IR, cum Deputy Chairman of FEDUGAM Steering Committee/MOC, Olapade Suleiman, congratulated all the participants, describing them as all winners.
He noted that the Games’ Organizers look forward to building on the momentum generated by the Event, stressing that the Games had proven to be a highlight of the educational calendar, promoting excellence, camaraderie, and a culture of achievement among Nigeria’s educational institutions.
Saeed Yusuf expressed the gratitude of the Main Organizing Committee to the Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Nasarawa State, Hon. Kwanta Yakubu, and entire Staff Members of the Organization and other relevant stakeholders for supporting the success of the Event, assuring to sustain the synergy.
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FEDUGAM Consultant and Chairman, Technical; Secretariat and Accreditation Committees, Chief Okeyinka Matthew, offered the vote-of-thanks as the closing ceremony curtains were drawn closed.
