70 varsities end FASU Games in Lagos

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.

Supreme News reports that the University of Lagos (UNILAG) and Lagos State University (LASU) jointly hosted the nine-day tournament.

Supreme News reports that American University in Cairo emerged first in the tournament, and LASU came second, while UNILAG came third.

The University of Ghana came in fourth, and the University of Development Studies came in fifth.

Ms. Peninnah Aligawesa, Secretary-General of FASU, passed the game to the vice chancellors of LASU and LASU, who presented it to the American University in Cairo for next hosting.

The closing ceremony was held at the UNILAG Sports Complex.

The Vice-Chancellor of UNILAG, Prof. Folasade Ogunsola, said at the event that 834 athletes, comprising590 males and 244 females, accompanied by 185 institutional officials, competed in 17 sports.

“I am proud of all the students thatparticipated 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 embodiments 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 learnt 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 forthe confidence they reposed in us.

“For us in LASU, we are already looking forward to hosting another edition in the nearest future,” she said.