The University of Lagos, Akoka and Lagos State University, Ojo will host the 2024 Federation of African University Sports (FASU) Games tagged “Lagos 2024.”
Speaking at a press conference held at the University of Lagos, the Vice-Chancellor, University of Lagos, Prof. Folasade Ogunsola reiterated the readiness of both universities in hosting the 11 th edition of the Games and the 2nd opportunity for Nigeria to host the Games.
According to her, fortuitously, this 11th FASU Games is coming exactly twenty years after the it was hosted by the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, (ATBU) Bauchi, in 2004 and 50 years after the first FASU Games held in Accra, Ghana hosted by the University of Ghana.
“The FASU Games, as the name depicts, is the collegiate games that brings together some of the most talented university athletes from across the continent of Africa. The Games takes its name from FASU, which is the continental, non-governmental, non-profit organisation responsible for the development of sports in African Universities.
She continued: “It is certainly noteworthy that the story of FASU cannot be told without the mention of Nigeria for the major role it played in the birthing of organisation. History records that FASU emerged out of a meeting convened in 1971 by Dr. Lateef Adegbite, one time Chairman of the Nigerian Olympics Committee.”
Ogunsola disclosed further that Nigeria is not just hosting the Games; it is about to make history. “These Games will be jointly hosted by two of Nigeria’s leading universities, the University of Lagos and the Lagos State University, a first time ever co-hosting of the Games since its inception in 1974.
This according to her will deliver to the world of collegiate sports a different model of hosting the Games. A model of cooperation and collaboration between Federal and State Institution in Lagos. This is therefore being hosted by not just NIGERIA but by Lagos State.
Speaking further on the Games, she said the Games will take place across several locations within the city of Lagos including the Akoka and Ojo Campuses of the two universities between Friday, September 20 and Sunday, September 29, 2024.
“We are more than excited to be playing host alongside our sister university, LASU, to an even wider and international audience of 1500+ athletes and officials from universities drawn from across Africa.
“Hopefully, all 43 member countries of FASU will be represented at the event to Unite, Compete and Excel as female and male athletes compete for laurels in 17 Games namely: Athletics (track and field), Football, Basketball, Volleyball, Handball, Badminton, Tennis, Table Tennis, Swimming, Taekwondo, Judo, Karate, Cricket, Hockey, Chess, Scrabble and Boxing (Demonstration Sport).
The opening ceremony of the10-day event will hold on Saturday, September 21, 2024, at the University of Lagos, Akoka while the closing ceremony will be held on Saturday, September 28, 2024 at the Lagos State University in Ojo.
Other features of the 10-day Games she stated will include the Scientific Conference during which sports academics will have the opportunity to share and create new knowledge around sports. Other side events will be the agenda-setting Vice-Chancellors’ Meeting and the FISU/FASU Strategic Dialogue.
“For us at the University of Lagos, the 11th FASU Games is coming 2 years after we single-handedly hosted the 26th Nigerian Universities Games (NUGA) with over 5,000 Athletes and officials across 75 Nigerian Universities on our Campus, it was such a remarkable outing which saw stakeholders unanimously rating the 26th NUGA “the best NUGA so far”.
“The 11th FASU Games will therefore be another opportunity for us to replicate and improve upon the success stories of the 26th NUGA by showcasing our commitment to fostering sports excellence.
She said: “The FASU Games are not merely about sports; they represent a broader vision of unity, youth empowerment, and academic excellence across the African continent. For us at UNILAG, hosting the game is an opportunity to contribute to the development of sports on our continent, while also showcasing the incredible potentials that reside within our students.
“It also provides a platform for student-athletes to exhibit their hard work, resilience, and discipline. These qualities are at the heart of everything we do in our universities, where the aim is not only to nurture academic excellence but build character, and develop well-rounded individuals capable of contributing to society in diverse ways.
“As one of the host institutions, we are committed to making these Games a resounding success. UNILAG has always been a beacon of excellence in academics and sports, and we view this responsibility as an opportunity to reinforce our leadership role in promoting student-athlete development across Africa.”
On facilities in readiness of the Games, the Vice-Chancellor said their preparation for the FASU Games has been meticulous. “We have upgraded our sports facilities to international standards, and we have ensured that the necessary logistics are in place to guarantee a seamless and exciting event. I want to assure all participants, officials, and spectators that UNILAG will deliver an unforgettable experience that reflects the spirit of African unity and excellence.
“Let me use this occasion to thank the companies that are supporting us already and extend a heartfelt call for more sponsorship and partnership. Your support is crucial in ensuring that we deliver an event of the highest calibre. We invite businesses, organizations, and individuals to partner with us in various capacities, whether through financial contributions, in-kind support, or promotional collaborations.
“Investing in the FASU Games is not just an investment in sports; it is an investment in the future of our youth, the strengthening of African unity and the visibility of your companies
By partnering with us, you will play a pivotal role in creating an environment where young athletes can excel and where the values of hard work and perseverance are celebrated. We are excited about the possibilities that lie ahead and are confident that with your support, we will make the FASU Games a memorable and impactful experience for all involved,” she added.
Advising participants, Ogunsola said FASU Games approaches, “I want to encourage all athletes to embrace this opportunity with enthusiasm and determination. I implore them to compete with integrity, uphold the values of sportsmanship, and, above all, enjoy the experience. To sports fans and spectators, our gates are open to give you access to a world class event, a world of excitement and camaraderie!
“To our partners, sponsors, and all who have contributed to the planning of this event, I say a heartfelt thank you. Your support has been instrumental in bringing us to this point, and we look forward to working together to make these games a success,” she said.
BV.
