LAGOS State University (LASU) and University of Lagos (UNILAG) have joined forces as the flame of healthy rivalry momentarily ignited between the two leading Universities in Lagos State.
On Tuesday, March 26, 2024, the LASU Ojo campus hosted the Pre-FASU Games Seminar, which aimed to facilitate the merger of the organising committees of both institutions. This collaboration is in preparation for the All Africa Universities Games (FASU) named ‘Lagos 2024’, scheduled to take place from September 20-29, 2024.
The Vice-Chancellor of LASU, Prof. Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, expressed her enthusiasm during the event, stating that hosting the event not only showcases the Universities' commitment to sports promotion but also celebrates the rich diversity and talent within the African continent.
She expressed confidence in the ability of the organising committees to jointly host a successful tournament, emphasising their significant responsibility in ensuring a smooth and victorious execution of this historic event.
Prof. Olatunji-Bello urged committee members to work together as a united force to make the FASU Games successful. She stated, "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 also expressed gratitude to the Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, for his interest in the success of the competition.
In her speech, Prof. Folashade Ogunsola, the Vice-Chancellor of UNILAG, echoed the sentiments of the LASU VC, emphasising the importance of hosting the best games in the history of the competition. She highlighted the significance of bringing together young people from Africa to collaborate and excel, building bridges for a prosperous future.
Prof. Ogunsola stressed that Lagos State, known as the Centre of Excellence, and the host universities, UNILAG and LASU, were the perfect locations to foster such growth.
The participants of the seminar were treated to enlightening lectures by prominent figures such as Mr Bola Orodele, the former Secretary-General of NUGA, Prof. Iyiola Oni from the Centre for Multi-Modal Transport Studies at the University of Lagos, and Prof. Clement Fasan, the Programme Director of the International Olympic Committee Advanced Sports Management Course (ASMC) Nigeria.
Following the lectures, the organising committees were divided into different sessions to facilitate effective engagement and planning.
Notably, this is the first time that two Universities in the same state will be jointly hosting the competition, adding to the significance and anticipation surrounding the event.
