By OLUWAKEMI OLADIPO/OLANREWAJU AKOJEDE

The Vice-Chancellor of University of Lagos (UNILAG), Prof. Folasade Ogunsola, on Thursday declared that the institution would successfully co-host the 11th Federation of African University Sports (FASU).

Ogunsola gave the assurance during a media interaction held ahead of the FASU Games at the UNILAG Senate Chambers.

Ogunsola said the institution, having successfully hosted the last Nigerian University Games (NUGA), which was considered the best ever in the Games’ history, was ready to surpass the past record.

NAN reports that the 11th FASU Games with the theme: “Unite, Compete, Excel” is expected to be held between Sept. 20 and Sept. 29 at the sports complexes of UNILAG and Lagos State University (LASU).

According to the first female Vice Chancellor in the history of UNILAG, the opening ceremony of the event would hold on Sept. 21 at their Sports Complex, while the closing ceremony would be held on Sept. 28 on LASU grounds in Ojoo.

“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 the university boasted of world class facilities enough to cater for the sports infrastructure needs of the prestigious competition and welcomed other African countries to Lagos.

“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 the Games was hosted by the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU) Bauchi in 2004, and 50 years after the first edition was hosted by the University of Ghana.

“Nigeria is not just hosting but about to make history as this edition will be jointly hosted by two of Nigeria’s leading universities, UNILAG and LASU, for 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 NUGA, with over 5,000 athletes and officials from 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 Games is an opportunity to contribute to the development of sports on our continent, while also showcasing the incredible potential that reside within our students,” Ogunsola assured.

On the state of their sports facilities, Prof. Ogunsola further assured of seamless operations across the centres, where the events would 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.”

Ogunsola, however, solicited for more partnerships from corporate organisations, both 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 youths and strengthening 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 Games will therefore 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)

•PHOTO: University of Lagos Vice Chancellor, Prof. Folasade Ogunsola flanked by the Local Organising Committee (LOC) of 11th Federation of African University Sports (FASU), at a media parley held at Senate Chambers of UNILAG, Akoka, Lagos.

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