Around 120 Nigerian universities and 36 others from across Africa have begun arriving in Lagos for the 11th All-Africa University Games, co-hosted by the University of Lagos (UNILAG) and Lagos State University (LASU).
The games, which kick off on Friday, September 20, and run through September 29, mark the return of this prestigious event to Nigeria after two decades.
The opening ceremony is scheduled for Saturday at the UNILAG Sports Complex. UNILAG’s Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Folasade Ogunsola, highlighted that the games would serve as a platform to showcase Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage to the African university community.
Prof. Ogunsola noted, “We will bring the excitement we created during NUGA. Hosting the FASU Games now means we don’t have to start from scratch. We have a template from our last event, and we’re ready to apply it.” She also emphasized the importance of student involvement and expressed confidence in Nigeria’s ability to put its diverse cultural heritage on display. She acknowledged the co-hosting arrangement with LASU and support from the Lagos State Government, which will help lighten the organizational load.
To boost awareness, UNILAG’s Communications Unit organized a road show on Thursday, spreading excitement across the campus ahead of the games. UNILAG’s Director of Sports, Joseph Awoyinfa, confirmed that all sporting facilities have been fully prepared. “We’re set to host 17 sports. UNILAG will handle football, cricket, swimming, basketball, handball, and tennis, while LASU will manage all indoor games.”
UNILAG’s facilities include three basketball courts and a newly refurbished indoor hall. The campus also boasts Nigeria’s only university swimming pool with a switch timer that automatically records a swimmer’s time.
This year’s Games hold historical significance, as it is the first time two universities have co-hosted the event. Nigeria last hosted the third FASU Games in 2004 at Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University in Bauchi.
