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By Abiodun Adewale
The University of Lagos and the Lagos State University are gearing up to host the 11th African University Games, scheduled to take place from September 20 to 29, 2024.
It is organised by the Federation of Africa University Sports and was first held in 1975 in Accra, Ghana.
Nigeria last hosted the games in 2004 in Bauchi State, where 15 nations competed.
UNILAG and LASU were first announced as hosts after the 10th edition which was hosted by Kenyatta University in Kenya in 2022. The Nigeria University Games Association through its acting Secretary-General, Chidiebere Ezeani, affirmed it on Thursday in a press statement.
“Lagos State University and the University of Lagos have joined forces as co-hosts for this prestigious event, showcasing a commitment to fostering sports excellence within the African university community,” Ezeani said.
“A historic aspect of this event is the co-hosting by female vice chancellors of the respective universities. Professor Folasade Ogunsola, the 13th vice-chancellor of the University of Lagos, and her counterpart, Prof. Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, the ninth vice-chancellor of Lagos State University, will lead this groundbreaking collaboration,” the statement read.
According to Ezeani, the event will feature an array of disciplines across individuals and team sports including; athletics, badminton, chess, Judo, basketball, football, volleyball, and handball.
FASU have also said more universities will be added to the competition this year, with about 5000 athletes expected to participate.
Earlier this month during the commissioning of projects at Lagos State University earlier this month, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu reaffirmed his commitment to supporting the African university sports community.
The vice-chancellor of UNILAG, Prof Folasade Ogunsola also expressed their readiness to host the continent having recently hosted the NUGA games.
“We will leverage the excellent facilities developed during the NUGA Games in 2021.”
She outlined plans to enhance the university sports center, including the recently commissioned 240-bed sports hostel.
Her LASU counterpart, Prof. Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello also highlighted the significance of this event for Lagos State and the broader Nigerian university community.
NUGA’s acting president, Dr. Bawa Mohammed, commended the co-hosting institutions for their continuous contribution to the development of university sports in Nigeria.