LAGOS- The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lagos (UNILAG), Prof. Folasade Ogunsola, on Thursday declared that the institution would host the 11th Federation of African University Sports (FASU).
Prof. Ogunsola said this during a media parley held ahead of the FASU Games at the UNILAG Senate Chambers.
Ogunsola said that the ivory tower having successfully hosted the last Nigerian University Games (NUGA), which was considered the best ever in the history of the game, was ready to surpass the past record.
NAN reports that the 11th FASU Games with the theme: “Unite, Compete, Excell” is expected to be held between Sept. 20 and Sept. 29 at UNILAG and Lagos State University (LASU) Sports Complexes.
According to the first female Vice Chancellor in the history of UNILAG, the opening ceremony of the event will hold on Saturday, Sept. 21, at the Sports Complex, while the closing ceremony will be held on Saturday, Sept. 28, in LASU, Ojo.
“Other features of the Games 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,” Ogunsola said.
Ogunsola said that the foremost university boasted of world class facilities enough to cater for the sports infrastructure needs of the prestigious competition and welcome other African countries to Lagos.
“The Lagos 2024 is the 11th edition of the Games, and the second opportunity for Nigeria to host it.
“This 11th FASU Games is coming exactly 20 years after it was hosted by the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, (ATBU) Bauchi, in 2004, and 50 years after the first edition hosted by the University of Ghana.
“Nigeria is not just hosting but about to make history as it will be jointly hosted by two of Nigeria’s leading universities, UNILAG and LASU, a first time ever co-hosting of the Games since its inception in 1974.
“This 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 Institutions in Lagos,” she said.
The Professor of Clinical Microbiology added; “For us the 11th FASU Games is coming two 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.
“The FASU Games are not merely about sports; they represent a broader vision of unity, youth empowerment, and academic excellence across the African continent.
“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,” Ogunsola assured.
On the state of the sports facility, Prof. Ogunsola further assured of seamless operations across the centres, where the sporting event will be held.
“Our 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.
“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 games is an opportunity to contribute to the development of sports on our continent, while also showcasing the incredible potentials that reside within our students,” she said.
Ogunsola, however, solicited for more partnerships from corporate organisations, private and public, as well as government agencies, to collaborate with UNILAG to deliver a world class event.
She also assured that the investment in the games would bring instant reward and future benefits for the sponsors.
“Sponsorships in FASU Games is not just an investment in sports, but investing in the future of the youth and strengthening of Africa’s unity and also various organisations.
“We have also ensured adequate security arrangements to ensure the safety of our athletes.
“Sometimes, the news about Nigeria seems unpleasant, but when those outside themselves come visiting, they always have different stories entirely because we are great people as Nigerians.
“This game will further project us as Nigerians and what we stand for and our great nation, so it is not all about UNILAG or LASU, it’s about Nigeria as a whole.
“We expect a loud applause for us after we might have successfully hosted the 11th FASU Games,” Ogunsola assured. (NAN)