FASU Lagos 2024 Ends on High Note: Egypt, LASU, UNILAG Lift Trophies

The 11th All Africa University Games (FASU 2024) ended on Sunday, September 29, 2024, on a high note with stakeholders commending the co-hosts of the competition: University of Lagos and Lagos State University, for surpassing expectations despite prevailing economic situation in the country.

Final Medals Table for the nine-day continental universities’ sports fiesta showed that:

The American University, Cairo, Egypt clinched the top spot with 46 Gold, 28 Silver and 8 Bronze medals
Lagos State University (@lasuofficialpage) finished as the first (1^st) runner up with 28 Gold, 30 Silver and 26 Bronze and
University of Lagos (@UnilagNigeria) garnered 25 Gold, 33 Silver and 40 Bronze medals to take the second (2^nd) runner up position.

Speaking at the closing ceremony which was held amidst pump and ceremonies at the Sports Complex of Lagos State University, Ojo, President of FASU, Dr. Ashraf Sobhy appreciated the managements of both UNILAG and LASU for successfully pulling off the 11^th FASU Games with all its attendant glitz, glam and steeze.

The FASU President who was represented by Ms. Tsitsi Muzuva, specially applauded all committees, athletes, officials, volunteers and other stakeholders for their input which he said, contributed to the overall success of the FASU Lagos 2024 Games.

Dr. Sobhy announced the appointment of the Vice-Chancellors of UNILAG and LASU, Professor Folasade Ogunsola, OON, FAS, and Professor Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, as Ambassadors of FASU until the next FASU Games which is billed to hold in Egypt in 2026.

The FASU President passed a vote of confidence that the 11^th FASU Games has fostered the spirit of lasting friendship among athletes and officials while it gave African universities another reason to deepen their sense of unity.

In her address to mark the end of FASU Lagos 2024, Vice- Chancellor, UNILAG, Professor Folasade Ogunsola, OON, FAS, pointed out that “the games have helped to foster teamwork, resilience and respect especially among athletes”.

According to her, “a total 834 athletes drawn from 70 African universities converged in Lagos for the 11^th FASU Games, out of which 21 came from 13 other African countries”. While specially recognizing the efforts of Mr Babatunde Ogunade and Mrs. Tayo Popoola, the Vice Chancellor commended officials, volunteers, sponsors and other stakeholders including drivers and cleaners for ensuring a successful FASU 2024.

Prof Ogunsola reiterated UNILAG management’s commitment to promoting sports as a way of fostering education and building a brighter future for the youths. She implored all participants in the sporting fiesta, particularly athletes, to see themselves as symbols of hope and aspiration.

The UNILAG Vice Chancellor also charged stakeholders to re-commit to supporting each other, as well as embracing the values of friendship, respect and fair play. Prof Ogunsola equally expressed hopes of future sporting engagements where the collective achievements of African universities will be the heart of celebrations besides trophies and medals.

Also in her remarks, the Vice-Chancellor, Lagos State University, Professor Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, identified the success of the 11^th FASU Games “as another testimony of what reputable universities like UNILAG and LASU can achieve in unity”.

Professor Olatunji-Bello appreciated all stakeholders for their commitment and genuine support all through FASU 2024, one which birthed new alliances and friendships. She noted that these feats would go a long way in inspiring Africans towards building a collective future.

Earlier in his opening remarks, the President, Nigerian University Games Association (NUGA), Dr. Mohammed Bawa, congratulated co-hosts: UNILAG and LASU for beating the benchmarks of the 2022 FASU Games which held in Nairobi, Kenya.

Dr. Bawa who chaired the Main Organizing Committee of FASU Lagos 2024 said the games gave a show of sporting excellence, raw talents discovery, emergence of new African champions, as well as setting of new African universities’ sports records.

In a goodwill message, the Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu congratulated UNILAG and LASU for making Lagos proud by hosting the FASU Games.

Represented by the Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Tertiary Education, Mr. Waheed Kasali, the Governor described African events such as FASU Games as a testament to the power of unity, spirit of hope and collaborations which would shape the future of Africa.

Highlights of the event which was graced by the Elegushi of Ikate land; Oba Saheed Ademola Elegushi, Kusenla III, and Olojo of Ojo land; Oba Galib Rufai, included the presentation of goodwill awards to deserving individuals, match past by athletes as a show of appreciation to UNILAG, LASU, NUGA and FASU as well as cultural performances for entertainment.

It would be recalled that the opening ceremony which signaled the commencement of the 11th All Africa University Games (FASU) held at the UNILAG Sport Complex on Saturday, September 21, 2024 where the FASU President; Dr. Ashraf Sobhy lit the FASU touch. Click HERE (http://unilag.edu.ng/?p=42190) for more details.