The second edition of the Pan African School Games began at James Hope College, Lagos, on Friday, October 16, featuring at least 400 student-athletes, with a brand-new school bus sponsored by Mikano Changan Motors among the prizes on offer.

The three-day competition, which concludes today, October 18, features athletics, swimming and football across the Under-11, Under-13 and Under-15 age categories.

Formerly known as the Africa School Games, the competition brings together schools from across Nigeria, building on the success of its inaugural edition at British International School, Lagos, which attracted 11 schools and more than 300 student-athletes.

Athletics and swimming feature 30 events each, while participating schools are also competing for honours in football.

Founded by Seun Akinbohun, Busola Tejumola and Aderoju Ope-Ajayi, the Games aim to combine sporting excellence with education, career development and cultural exchange.

The organisers say the competition provides promising young athletes with an opportunity to showcase their abilities to scouts, agents and educational institutions, potentially opening doors to international scholarships and further sporting opportunities.

Through partnerships with organisations such as Plumptre Advisory, athletes are also being connected with international schools, including McCallie School in the United States and Bethany School, Buckswood School and Roedean School in the United Kingdom.

The 2026 edition has attracted support from organisations including Prime Atlantic, Zenith Bank, Mikano Changan, UAC Foods, Nigerian Exchange and Flutterwave, alongside the Lagos State Government and Lagos State Sports Commission.

According to the organisers, lessons from the inaugural edition have informed improvements in logistics, athlete welfare, safeguarding, medical support and technical delivery.

The competition is also expected to expand beyond Nigeria, with schools from Kenya and Ghana anticipated to participate in the 2027 edition.

Beyond the medals and prizes, the Pan African School Games continues to provide a platform for nurturing young sporting talent while creating opportunities that connect sports with education and international development.