UNILAG, LASU to co-host 11th African University Games
The University of Lagos (UNILAG) and Lagos State University (LASU) have been given the hosting rights for the 11th African University Games billed to hold from September 20 to 29, 2024.
According to the Nigerian Universities Games Association (NUGA), the joint hosting rights showcases a commitment to foster sports excellence within the African university community.
NUGA said the sports fiesta would feature an array of disciplines across two categories, with category one made up of individual sports, which are athletics, badminton, chess, judo, table tennis, tennis, karate, taekwondo and swimming.
Events in category two are team sports, comprising basketball, football, volleyball and handball.
NUGA said that Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, reaffirmed his commitment to support African universities sports community when he was commissioning projects at Lagos State University earlier this month, adding that hosting the continental games aligns with his vision to promote sports development and provide world-class facilities for athletes.
According to NUGA’s Acting Secretary General, Chidiebere Ezeani, “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.
Reacting to the development, Prof. Ogunsola said, “we will leverage the excellent facilities developed during the NUGA Games in 2021.”
She outlined plans to enhance the university sports centre, including the recently commissioned 240-bed sports hostel.
Expressing gratitude to Governor Sanwo-Olu, Prof. Olatunji-Bello 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. He tasked them with showcasing the warmth of Nigerian hospitality and providing Africa with a memorable experience.