Lagos hosts African varsities, as FASU games return to Nigeria after two decades

Lagos’ two leading universities, the University of Lagos (UNILAG) and the Lagos State University (LASU) played host to over 70 universities from across Africa between September 22 to 29, for the 11th edition of the Federation of Africa University Sports (FASU) games.

This marks the first time two universities will jointly host the games. It is also the second time Nigeria will be hosting the competition in 20 years after the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi, played host to the rest of Africa in 2004.

At the close of the games, the American University in Cairo, dominated the medal standings with 46 Gold, 28 Silver, and 8 Bronze medals. Lagos State University emerged as the first runner-up with 28 Gold, 30 Silver, and 26 Bronze medals. The University of Lagos rounded out the top three, securing the second runner-up position with 25 Gold, 33 Silver, and 40 Bronze medals. University of Ghana came fourth and University of Development Studies came fifth.

The events were split between sports facilities in UNILAG and LASU campuses, featuring over 17 sports, 834 athletes and 70 universities across Africa.

The 2024 Games was tagged ‘compete, unite, and excel’  and the competition was officially declared open by the President of the Federation of Africa University Sports, Ashraf Sobhy, on September 22, in UNILAG.

UNILAG Vice Chancellor, Professor Tolulope Folasade Ogunsola, during the opening ceremony said, “I welcome you all to the 11th FASU games holding here in Lagos and my co-host from LASU has told you all that this is the first time two universities are co-hosting FASU. It is symbolic of the Africa that we want: an Africa that cooperates, an Africa that collaborates, an Africa that moves things forward together in great team spirit. So today, we mark great team spirit, we mark the youths of Africa who will take us forward.”

Dignitaries at the opening ceremony included President of the West African University Games, Mr. Ibrahim Danko Shaina; President of Nigeria University Games (NUGA) Dr. Engr. Muhammad Bawa; Vice Chancellor of UNILAG and host of the event, Prof. Folashade Ogunsola; Pro-Chancellor of UNILAG, Wole Olanipekun SAN and  representative of the First Lady of Lagos State, Mrs. Toyin Suara,. Also in attendance were Chancellor of LASU, Prof. Gbolahan Elias SAN, and a representative of the Minister of Sports, Sen. John Enoh, Mrs. Ikana Mbora, among others.

The 2024 FASU Games featured various sports, including athletics, football, basketball, volleyball, swimming, tennis, table tennis, badminton, taekwondo, chess, judo, and handball. Additionally, rugby, squash, karate, and netbal

The closing ceremony of the FASU Games 2024 was held at LASU sports center and had several dignitaries in attendance, including university officials and government representatives. The Vice Chancellors of both Lagos State University and the University of Lagos were present, along with officials from the Nigerian Ministry of Youth and Sports.

The event also hosted sports administrators and representatives from various participating universities, celebrating the athletes and the successful completion of the games.

Ms. Tsitsi Muzuva, representing the FASU President, commended all committees, athletes, officials, volunteers, and stakeholders for their contributions to the success of the FASU Lagos 2024 Games.

Dr. Sobhy announced that the Vice-Chancellors of UNILAG and LASU, Professor Folasade Ogunsola, OON, FAS, and Professor Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, were appointed as FASU Ambassadors until the next Games, scheduled for 2026 in Egypt.

Ms Peninnah Aligawesa, Secretary-General of FASU, passed the games touch to the vice-chancellors of LASU and LASU, who presented it to the American University in Cairo for next hosting.

BYLINE: Abdul Anjolaoluwa Rahmat.