Lagos: The Lagos State Government has confirmed that no fewer than 370 pupils will participate in the 2025 South-West Basic Education Schools Sports (BESS) competition. Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Mr. Jamiu Alli-Balogun, revealed this during a news conference ahead of the three-day event.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the competition will take place from June 17 to June 19, hosted by the Lagos State Universal Basic Education Board (LASUBEB) and the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC). It will be held in partnership with the Nigeria Schools Sports Federation (NSSF) and cover the South-West geo-political zone.
Alli-Balogun stated that the events include races (100m, 200m, 400m), long jump, high jump, football, chess, scrabble, ayo-olopon, table tennis, and board games. He mentioned that the competition aims to inspire a new generation of sports lovers and leave a lasting impact on participating children.
Alli-Balogun emphasized the state’s commitment to nurturing young talents and promoting healthy competition for children’s development. He highlighted Lagos’ history of excellence in sports, with students excelling in competitions locally, nationally, and internationally. He also noted that the event promotes unity and sportsmanship and that the state is prepared to engage and challenge other states.
The preliminary football matches are scheduled to begin Tuesday through Wednesday, while the track events will take place Wednesday at Agege Stadium. The grand finale will be held on Thursday at the Yaba College of Technology Sports Complex. Alli-Balogun assured that participants’ safety is a priority, with proper security measures and qualified officials ensuring a smooth competition.
He recalled Lagos’ outstanding performances in past National Sports Festivals, especially in football, table tennis, and athletics. He expressed his honor that Lagos was chosen to host this edition, and he praised the collaborative efforts of UBEC, state SUBEBs, and the Nigeria School Sports Federation in organizing the event.
Alli-Balogun commended Ekiti State for successfully hosting the inaugural edition in 2024 and setting a high benchmark. He declared the 2025 South-West BESS Competition officially open, wishing participants success.
Earlier, LASUBEB Chairman, Mr. Babatunde Shittu, described the competition as more than a sporting event, calling it a celebration of teamwork and discipline. He encouraged Lagos pupils to compete fairly, learn from others, and strive for excellence. According to Shittu, the event nurtures talent, promotes healthy lifestyles, and encourages unity, discipline, and teamwork among children.
Shittu emphasized that schools are not just academic centers but also places for physical and moral development. He stated that the competition reinforces physical education as vital to the school curriculum and encourages healthy interaction among schools in a structured and secure setting.
Through this event, pupils learn perseverance, respect, and sportsmanship, Shittu noted, adding that Lagos is building a generation that is intellectually capable, physically strong, morally sound, and socially responsible.