The flame of healthy rivalry was momentarily ignited between the two leading universities in Lagos State;
Lagos State University and the University of Lagos, when the two institutions converged on the campus of the former for the Pre-FASU Games Seminar on Tuesday, 26th March 2024.
The Pre-FASU Seminar was held to facilitate the merger of the organising committees of the two institutions ahead of the All Africa Universities Games (FASU) tagged Lagos 2024, scheduled to be held between 20th and 29th September 2024.
Host of the event, the Vice Chancellor of LASU, Prof. Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, in her address, enthused that hosting the prestigious event is not just a testament to the universities’ commitment to the promotion of sports, but also a celebration of the rich diversity and talent that exists within the African continent.
She expressed her confidence in the ability of the members of the organising committees of the two institutions to jointly host a successful tournament. She said, “I do not doubt that with the array and pedigree of individuals who have been appointed to serve on the various sub-committees of the main organising committee, we are in for nothing but success at the end of the competition. As members of the organising committees, you have been entrusted with a significant responsibility – to ensure the smooth and successful execution of this historic event. You can not afford to fail.”
She concluded by urging the organising committee members to be united in hosting the best university Games ever while ensuring the institutions also emerge victorious. “This is the second time the competition is coming to Nigeria. Let’s work together as a united force to make it the best FASU Games ever. And if in the process we do win the competition, that would be the icing on the cake. There is no reason for our teams not to come first and second. We are hosting to make history, we are hosting to win,” she said.
She thanked the Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, for his interest in the success of the competition.
The Co-Host, Vice Chancellor of UNILAG, Prof. Folashade Ogunsola, FAS, OON, in her speech also echoed the LASU VC’s sentiments about hosting the best games in the competition’s history. She said, “The continent of Africa has about 1.3 billion people 70% of which are below the age of 30 years. These young people are the pride of Africa. Nigeria has about 159 million of that population, and the people who will be competing are within that range. So, what we are doing is building a future of young people coming together, collaborating, and excelling. The bridges that we will be building will take us far into the future, and where better to build the bridges than in Lagos State, the State of Excellence, and where better than UNILAG and LASU?
She concluded, “It is great that we are here today to flag off LASU and to tell everyone that we are going to host the best games ever.”
Participants were treated to illuminating lectures by Mr Bola Orodele, the former Secretary General
NUGA, Prof. Iyiola Oni from the Centre for Multi-Modal Transport Studies, University of Lagos, and Prof. Clement Fasan, the Programme Director, International Olympic Committee Advanced Sports Management Course (ASMC) Nigeria, before the committees were broken into different sessions for effective engagement.
The joint hosting of the FASU Games marks the first time that two universities in the same State will be hosting the competition.
