The 16th Research Institute Games, which will feature over 25 research schools from across the country will begin on December 13, the organisers have said.
RIGAN President, Prof. Rabiu Adamu told the National Council at the Pre- that Ota 2019 would mark a new beginning for the biennial sports festival, adding that the festival, which debuted in 1982, would end on December 23.
Prof Adamu warned Institutes against employing mercenaries, saying the council would come down hard on erring Institutes, which featured athletes that are not staff members of research and development institutes.
He also urged the institutes to settle their debts, warning that only schools up to date with their games and annual dues would be allowed to participate.
He disclosed that the over 2000 athletes, men and women, would compete in 16 events.
Also speaking on the games, the Director-General of host Institute, Prof Samson Dynamic, assured the Council that the Institute would host the best festival in the history of RIGAN, adding that sports facilities, accommodation, and logistics were already in place waiting for the kick-off.
