By Oluwakemi Oladipo
The 11th edition of the Federation of African University Sports (FASU) Games ended in Lagos on Sunday with a total of 70 universities across Africa participating.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that University of Lagos (UNILAG) and Lagos State University (LASU) jointly hosted the nine-day tournament.
NAN reports that American University in Cairo emerged first in the tournament and LASU came second, while UNILAG came third.
University of Ghana came fourth and University of Development Studies came fifth.
Ms Peninnah Aligawesa, Secretary-General of FASU, passed the games touch to the vice-chancellors of LASU and LASU, who presented it to the American University in Cairo for next hosting.
The closing ceremony held at the LASU Sports Complex.
The Vice-Chancellor of UNILAG, Prof. Folasade Ogunsola, said at the event that 834 athletes comprising 590 males and 244 females, accompanied with 185 institutional officials, competed in 17 sports.
“I am proud of all the students that participated and won different shades of medals,” she said.
The vice-chancellor said that Team UNILAG won a total of 98 medals.
Ogunsola added that all the athletes were embodiment of hope and inspiration.
“You have not only competed for medals but have also represented the spirit of unity that is essential in our pursuit of excellence.
“As you return to your universities, carry with you the lessons learned and the bonds forged here.
“At UNILAG, we are committed to promoting sports as a tool for development, fostering education and building a brighter future for our youths,” she said.
Ogunsola said that the universities should ensure that the spirit of sportsmanship would transcend the arena and create a ripple effect that would inspire communities across Africa.
Prof. Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, Vice-Chancellor of LASU, said that the university was proud to host the event.
Olatunji-Bello said that a platform where new friendships and alliances would be formed across countries and among students had been created.
“Lagos 2024 demonstrated how sports can serve as a tool for African unity.
“Together with UNILAG, we have given Lagos and Nigeria a worthy representation.
“I want to say a big thank you to FASU and NUGA for the confidence they reposed in us.
“For us in LASU, we are already looking forward to hosting another edition in the nearest future,” she said. (NAN)
