Lagos:Over 400 student-athletes are set to compete for honors at the second Pan-African School Games, with a new school bus, sponsored by Mikano Changan Motors, among the prizes.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the three-day event, taking place from Friday to Sunday at James Hope College in Lagos, will see young athletes from various Nigerian schools compete in athletics, swimming, and football across Under-11, Under-13, and Under-15 categories.
Athletics and swimming will each feature 30 events, and participating schools will vie for top positions in football. Seun Akinbohun, one of the founders, stated that the initiative aims to blend sporting excellence with education, career development, and cultural exchange. The Games are designed to showcase emerging talents to scouts, agents, and educational institutions, with the potential for international scholarships and academic opportunities.
Busola Tejumola, a co-founder, emphasized the commitment to expanding participation while maintaining high standards of competition and athlete welfare. He noted that the inaugural event, hosted by British International School in Lagos, drew 11 schools and over 300 student-athletes, expressing optimism for increased participation in the 2026 edition.
Aderoju Ope-Ajayi, also a co-founder, explained that renaming the competition from Africa School Games to Pan-African School Games reflects its broader continental ambitions. The event aims to promote education, friendship, and unity across Africa through sports. Ope-Ajayi highlighted partnerships with organizations and educational institutions, such as McCallie School in the U.S. and several schools in the U.K., which are providing opportunities for talented athletes.
The school bus prize is a significant attraction for participating schools, adding excitement and practical value to the competition. The 2026 edition has garnered support from several organizations, including Prime Atlantic, Zenith Bank, and the Lagos State Government.
Despite challenges in organizing a multi-sport event, such as funding and logistics, the organizers have strengthened planning and improved athlete welfare from lessons learned during the inaugural edition. The Pan-African School Games are preparing for continental expansion, with schools from Kenya and Ghana expected to join in 2027, reflecting the ambition to establish a platform for emerging African sporting talent.