Over 15 African Universities gather in Lagos for 11th FASU Games

Posted : 22 September 2024

History was made on Saturday as over 15 African universities converged in Lagos for the 11th All-African University Games, co-hosted by the University of Lagos (UNILAG), Akoka, and Lagos State University (LASU), Ojo.

The opening ceremony was witnessed by the Egyptian Minister of Sports and the President of the Federation of African University Sports (FASU), Ashraf Sobhy, who declared the 11th All-Africa University Games, tagged Lagos 2024, open.

The well-attended opening ceremony was held at the University of Lagos (UNILAG) Sports Centre, Akoka, Lagos.

The All-Africa University Games had representatives from countries such as Ghana, Mauritius, Angola, Zimbabwe, Egypt, Kenya, Zambia, Guinea, and Nigeria.

In his opening remarks, FASU President Sobhy expressed his expectations for fair and competitive games.

"It's history being made here, and I expect a fair and competitive event. I also expect good collaboration among the athletes," he said.

The President of the Nigeria University Games and Chairman of the Organizing Committee for the 11th FASU Games, Bawa Mohammed, declared that the competition had all the elements of success.

"The games represent the future of Africa, and I welcome everyone to this momentous occasion.

"I want to say that we are privileged to witness these 11th FASU Games, especially our youth from Nigeria. This event was last hosted 20 years ago, and it may not return for another 20 years.

"The athletes are on the verge of making history as far as these games are concerned.

"I want to thank FASU for granting Nigeria the opportunity to host, as this provides a platform for our youth to showcase their potential, leadership qualities, make friends, and break borders, regardless of tribe or religion," he said.

Mohammed added: "I want to remind our youth that it is time to test their career paths in university sports.

"Sports are no longer extracurricular activities; they are a profession in their own right. The same dedication given to academic study should be applied to sports.

"Sports have proven to be even more reliable today if you can break through as a professional, so this is a foundation to build on, and we thank FASU for the approval.

"To our youth, please do your best and exhibit good sportsmanship regardless of the outcome. More than 50 percent of you will become leaders not only in sports but in other fields.

"I wish everyone successful, injury-free, and memorable games," he concluded.

The Vice Chancellor of LASU, Professor Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, reiterated the significance of the games, describing them as remarkable.

"These games are remarkable because their significance transcends mere contests for medals or accolades by athletes and teams. They underscore a common history, humanity, and the celebration of Africa's unity in diversity.

"I look forward to seeing thrilling contests and outstanding performances.

"This competition also reflects the values of sportsmanship we have embraced. The FASU Games remind us that no matter our beliefs, ethnicity, religion, language, or ideology, we can all come together in the spirit of fair play and mutual respect," she said.

Olatunji-Bello added that as joint hosts, both universities were guided by the spirit of sportsmanship.

"As a university, we have been guided by the need to ensure that athletes and officials are comfortable and secure.

"The quality of the facilities for this competition attests to our determination to host games that will serve as a reference point for others.

"To the athletes from all over Africa, I salute your courage and determination. I congratulate you for making it this far.

"In competitions like these, there will be winners and those who fall short, but everyone must exhibit the spirit of sportsmanship to make the event a beautiful and exciting one.

"I welcome you to Lagos, the city of aquatic splendor, and I also appreciate the unwavering support of Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu," she added.

The Vice Chancellor of the University of Lagos (UNILAG), Professor Folasade Ogunsola, in her welcome address, described the 11th games as historic, given that it was the first to be co-hosted.

"Finally, the Lagos 2024 FASU Games are here, and it has been a journey we are grateful for. Coincidentally, these 11th FASU Games are taking place exactly 20 years after they were hosted by Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU) in Bauchi State.

"Lagos 2024 is historic as it is being co-hosted by two Nigerian universities, UNILAG and Lagos State University (LASU). This is the first time ever that the games will be co-hosted since their inception in 1974.

"This comes two years after UNILAG successfully hosted the 26th Nigeria University Games (NUGA), with over 5,000 athletes and officials from 75 Nigerian universities on our campus.

"We recognize that this is not just a competition but also an opportunity to make friends, connect, build lasting relationships, and showcase the very best of Africa in sports," she said.

African universities represented include: Botswana University of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Gaborone, Botswana; Chinhoyi University of Technology (CUT), Zimbabwe; Kenyatta University, Kenya; Kisi University, Kenya; and Levy Mwanawasa Medical University, Zimbabwe.

Others are Makerere University, Uganda; Moshi Co-operative University, Tanzania; The American University, Cairo; United States International University Africa, Kenya; Université de Lobe, Guinea; and the University of Benghazi, Libya.

Representatives from outside Nigeria also include the University of Cape Coast, Ghana; University of Ghana; University of Mauritius; and the University of Zambia.

About 30 Nigerian universities are also present, including the joint hosts, UNILAG and LASU.

Over 15 African Universities gather in Lagos for 11th FASU Games

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