At the recently concluded 11th Federation of Africa University Sports Games, 2024, the American University in Cairo, Lagos State University, and the University of Lagos finished first through third.
LASU and UNILAG co-hosted the ‘Lagos 2024’ event, which concluded on Sunday.
The competition, themed ‘Unite, Compete, and Excel,’ ran from September 20 to 29, 2024. The American University of Cairo won first position with an amazing 46 gold, 28 silver, and 8 bronze medals.
LASU came in second place with 28 gold, 30 silver, and 26 bronze medals, while UNILAG finished third with 25 gold, 23 silver, and 40 bronze medals.
The University of Ghana finished fourth, winning nine gold, nine silver, and fourteen bronze medals. At the same time, the University of Development Studies in Ghana finished fifth with seven gold, two silver, and two bronze medals. Benson Idahosa University, Benin, Edo State finished sixth with six gold, five silver, and seven bronze medals.
Other notable performances included the University of Cape Coast, Ghana, in seventh place with five gold, four silver, and four bronze medals; the University of Zambia, in eighth place with five gold, one silver, and two bronze; Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, in ninth place with five gold, one silver, and zero bronze; and Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Ghana, in tenth place with four gold, seven silver, and two bronze medals.
At the closing ceremony, Dr. Bawa Mohammed, President of the Nigerian Universities Games Association and Chairman of the Organising Committee, thanked the host Vice-Chancellors, Prof. Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello of LASU and Prof. Folasade Ogunsola of UNILAG, for their contributions to the games’ success.
He noted, “The 11th FASU Games is historic, as the event returned to Nigeria after 20 years.”
Recognizing the difficulties of organizing the event, Mohammed stated, “No event is without hitches, and even the past Olympics had years of planning and still had problems. However, we are happy of the records broken, particularly the installation of the Video Assistant Referee at LASU.”
Olatunji-Bello, Vice-Chancellor of LASU, thanked FASU and NUGA for entrusting LASU and UNILAG with hosting the 11th edition, characterizing it as a demonstration of how sports can unite Africa. “We look forward to hosting another edition of the games in the near future,” she remarked.
Similarly, UNILAG’s VC, Prof. Ogunsola, lauded the camaraderie fostered by the event, stating, “Over the past few days, African universities have not only witnessed sporting excellence but also the unity that sports can bring. The athletes have showcased extraordinary talent, resilience, and teamwork, values essential in both sports and leadership.”
Dr Ashraf Sobhy, FASU President and Egyptian Minister of Sports, was represented by FASU Secretary General Peninnah Kabenge, who highlighted the games’ achievement in bringing African institutions together via record-breaking performances and team spirit.
“Let us carry forward the spirit of lasting friendship and unity among African universities,” he urged, announcing that the Vice-Chancellors of LASU and UNILAG were now official patrons of FASU until the next games.
The tournament featured 834 competitors (590 males and 244 females) from 70 universities, supported by 185 officials, competing in 17 sports.
