STSMB stages Inter-schools’ Athletics Contest in Kaduna

The Science and Technical Schools Management Board (STSMB), Kaduna, has successfully held a maiden edition of its maiden Inter-schools’ Athletics Competition.
The competition which recorded a total number of 14 secondary schools in participation ended recently, with stakeholders and students applauding the board for its foresight.

Speaking at the closing ceremony of the competition, the executive director of the board, Mr. Yakubu Yamusa, lauded the outcome of the competition, adding, “We have been involved in other events such as the science quiz competition. So, this is the first time we are organizing this competition featuring 14 institutions made up of six science schools, three commercial schools and five technical colleges. This time, we decided to bring them together to promote healthy relationship. You know that sports are part of learning and from here we may get stars to represent the state or the nation in future championships.

“I am happy to say that the government of Kaduna state has been encouraging us to do this and I am aware that in this year’s budget, a substantial amount has been earmarked for sports and as soon as the budget is made functional we will be able to supply the schools with all the neded materials. So, we are very grateful to the state government and we promise we won’t let them down. The students and the teachers are all testifying that they wish it should be sustained and we are determined to do so.’’
Yamusa also appealed to the state government to increase funding to be able to cater for the welfare of the students.

Also speaking at the competition, the principal of Tafawa Balewa Memorial Commercial College, Samaru–Kataf, Mr. Musa Benjamin, said: “We have been agitating for this kind of competition for a long time now. So, it a dream come true because it will help us in keeping the students busy and we thank the xxecutive director for making this happen.”
However, the games master of Girls Science Secondary School, Kwoi, Mr. Godwin Mallam, lamented the poor officiating at the competition, but hailed the giant steps taken by the executive director towards sports development.

Some of the outstanding performances were recorded by Dogara Matthew of GSS Kagoro who came first in the 5,000m for boys. Others include Enoch Ephraim of TBCC Samaru-Kataf who also came first in 200m boys, while Lucy Nuhu of GSS Kwoi came first in 200m girls.