African Universities Converge In Lagos For FASU Games

Approximately 120 universities from Nigeria and 36 others from across Africa have begun arriving in Lagos for the 11th All-Africa University Games, which will be co-hosted by the University of Lagos (UNILAG) and Lagos State University (LASU). The event is set to run from Friday, September 20, through Sunday, September 29, 2024, marking a major sporting event for African universities.

This edition of the All-Africa University Games, also known as the Federation of African University Sports (FASU) Games, returns to Nigeria for the first time in two decades. The opening ceremony will be held at the UNILAG Sports Complex on Saturday, September 21, and will be a grand occasion, celebrating sportsmanship and African unity through athletics.

UNILAG Vice Chancellor, Prof. Folasade Ogunsola, expressed her excitement about Nigeria hosting the Games again, highlighting the cultural exchange and showcase of Nigeria’s rich heritage. According to Prof. Ogunsola, the university is eager to build on its recent success in hosting the Nigerian Universities Games Association (NUGA) tournament, using the lessons learned from that experience to create an even more memorable event for the FASU Games.

“As for what we will bring, we will create the fun that went around NUGA. The beauty of hosting FASU now is that we don’t have to rethink things from scratch. We thought a lot of things through the last time we hosted NUGA, and we have a template to apply for the games,” Ogunsola said. She also emphasized the importance of engaging students and showcasing Nigeria’s vibrant cultural heritage to visiting universities from across Africa.

For the first time in FASU history, two universities—UNILAG and LASU—are co-hosting the event, which not only distributes the organizational burden but also brings together two major institutions in Lagos for a seamless sporting experience. Prof. Ogunsola noted that support from the Lagos State Government has been instrumental in preparing for the Games.

The Lagos State Government’s involvement has ensured the success of infrastructural upgrades, the provision of logistical support, and the overall smooth planning of the event. The collaborative efforts between the universities and the state underscore the importance of the Games not just as a sports event but also as a platform to promote the state and the country’s capacity to host large-scale international events.

The Director of Sports at UNILAG, Joseph Awoyinfa, assured that all facilities required for the Games are in top condition. He stated that UNILAG will host sports such as football, cricket, swimming, basketball, handball, and tennis. Meanwhile, LASU will handle all the indoor games, which include volleyball, badminton, table tennis, and chess.

UNILAG’s sporting facilities have been given significant upgrades in preparation for the event. “We have about three basketball courts, and the indoor hall has been refurbished. Our swimming pool is also the only one in Nigerian universities that has a switch timer that automatically records the time of a swimmer as soon as he jumps into the water,” said Awoyinfa.

These upgrades reflect the universities’ commitment to providing a world-class experience for athletes and spectators alike. The roadshow organized by UNILAG’s Communications Unit on Thursday further helped to create awareness and enthusiasm around the campus, building anticipation ahead of the Games.

The 11th All-Africa University Games will feature 17 sports, including athletics, football, swimming, tennis, handball, and cricket, with over 150 universities participating in total. The event aims to foster unity among African students through sports, while also promoting physical fitness, mental alertness, and collaboration across the continent.

This event holds historical significance as Nigeria previously hosted the third edition of the FASU Games in 2004 at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University in Bauchi. Hosting the Games again after two decades is a testament to Nigeria’s continued leadership in sports within the African university community.

As athletes and delegates arrive from across the continent, the All-Africa University Games present an opportunity for Nigeria to showcase not only its sportsmanship but also its diverse cultural heritage. According to Prof. Ogunsola, the Games will serve as a platform for Nigeria to project its rich traditions and values to a broader audience.

The co-hosting arrangement between UNILAG and LASU is expected to ease logistical challenges and allow for a successful and memorable event. With the support of the Lagos State Government, the universities are prepared to welcome athletes and spectators alike for a week of competitive sports and cultural exchange.

As the All-Africa University Games kick off, excitement is building across Lagos, and all eyes are on Nigeria to deliver a world-class event that reflects the continent’s unity and diversity.