Asaba, Delta State – The Maiden Edition of the Delta State Technical College Athletic Competition took place at the Asaba Model Technical College, bringing together students, teachers, and education officials to celebrate sportsmanship, talent, and healthy competition among technical colleges in the state.
The event saw principals, athletes, staff of the Ministry of Technical Education, and members of the press in attendance, alongside sports experts and representatives from the Nigeria Association for Physical and Health Education (NAPHER-SD).
Hon. Smart Ijeoma Ufoh, Commissioner for Technical Education, highlighted the importance of sports in education, saying that athletics goes beyond just physical activity. “Sports play a vital role in shaping character, teamwork, and discipline,” he said. “They promote healthy competition, mental well-being, hard work, and perseverance. Regular physical activity also improves cognitive function and academic performance. I encourage all participants to strive for excellence — not only in sports but in every aspect of life.”
The Commissioner commended the Delta State Government for its commitment to sports development, noting that in 2025 the government approved the purchase and supply of sports equipment to all state-owned technical colleges. he urged students to make good use of these facilities and praised the principals and sports teachers for organizing the event on short notice. “I salute our athletes for their dedication and passion. You are an inspiration to other students to pursue sports and achieve their dreams with perseverance,” he added.
Supporting the Commissioner’s remarks, Dr. Mrs. Gloria Patrick-Ferife, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Technical Education, emphasized that the competition was designed to give technical college students a platform to compete, develop their talents, and interact with peers from other schools, while ensuring they enjoyed the process. She further highlighted plans for sustainability: “This inaugural competition has been fully sponsored by the State Government, demonstrating a commitment to making it an annual event. In the future, we hope to attract private sponsors to expand it even further.”
Dr. Patrick-Ferife also noted that future editions of the event could be held in larger stadiums, allowing more students to participate and enjoy the games, while providing opportunities for non-competitors to support their peers and develop a love for athletics.
Adding the perspective of sports professionals, Chima Francis, Chairman of Oshimili South, NAPHER-SD, expressed his excitement about the scale of the competition and the level of participation. “Events like this help develop students’ athletic talents and promote discipline, teamwork, and sportsmanship. It is inspiring to see so many students representing their schools with pride,” he said, encouraging schools to continue participating in future editions.
The competition featured both boys and girls competing in events such as the 1500-meter, 800-meter, and 100-meter races, among others. After a day of intense rivalry and thrilling performances, the final points standings were announced:
- Utagba Ogbe Technical College – 126 points
- Ogor Technical College – 75 points
- Obiaruku Model Technical College – 59 points
- Asaba Model Technical College – 54 points
- Issele-Uku Technical College – 53 points
- Ofagbe Technical College – 52 points
- Sapale Technical College – 37 points
- Agbor Technical College – 31 points
- Effurun Model Technical College – 30 points
- Omadino Technical College – 0.5 points
The successful maiden edition has set the stage for future competitions at both state and national levels, aiming to nurture a new generation of athletes while encouraging students to excel academically and physically.
Officials and participants alike called for continued support from the state government, private sponsors, and schools to ensure that the competition grows bigger and stronger in the years ahead.
