The University of Lagos (UNILAG) and Lagos State University (LASU) are preparing to co-host the 11th edition of the Federation of African University Sports (FASU) Games. Branded as ‘Lagos 2024,’ the event is scheduled to run from September 20 to September 29, 2024.
At a press briefing held at UNILAG’s Senate Building, Vice Chancellor Professor Folashade Ogunsola revealed that the opening ceremony will take place at the UNILAG Sports Center, while the closing ceremony will be held at LASU’s Ojo Campus.
Professor Ogunsola highlighted the importance of the games, noting that they serve as a platform for fostering unity, empowering youth, and promoting academic excellence across Africa. “The FASU Games extend beyond sports; they symbolize a vision of unity and excellence that connects the continent’s youth,” she stated.
The event will feature 1,500 athletes and officials from 43 African countries, competing in 17 sports including athletics, football, basketball, volleyball, handball, badminton, table tennis, swimming, taekwondo, judo, karate, cricket, hockey, chess, scrabble, and boxing.
Both UNILAG and LASU have made extensive preparations, including upgrades to their sports facilities to meet international standards. “We have ensured that all logistics are in place to deliver a seamless, secure, and exciting sports festival,” added Professor Ogunsola.
This edition of the FASU Games follows UNILAG’s successful hosting of the 26th Nigerian Universities Games (NUGA) two years ago, which was acclaimed as the best NUGA to date. The university aims to build on that success and demonstrate its commitment to sports excellence.
Professor Ogunsola encouraged athletes to participate with enthusiasm and integrity, and invited sports fans and spectators to attend, promising an unforgettable display of African unity and talent.
The FASU Games will be hosted across UNILAG’s Akoka Campus and LASU’s Ojo Campus, embodying the collaborative spirit of this year’s hosts.