…..LASU, UNILAG Emerge 2nd, 3rd, Respectively
Victor Salami
The American University, Cairo, Egypt has emerged the winner of the Federation of Africa University (FASU) Games 2024 co-hosted by Lagos State University and the University of Lagos tagged: ‘Lagos 2024.’
The competition with the theme: Unite, Compete and Excel was held from 20th to 29th September, 2024.
The American University in Cairo won the games, with 46 Gold, 28 Silver and 8 Bronze medals, LASU came second with 28 Gold, 30 Silver and 26 Bronze while UNILAG came third with 25 Gold, 23 Silver and 40 Bronze medals.
University of Ghana came fourth with 9 Gold, 9 Silver 14 Bronze; University of Development Studies, Ghana came fifth with 7 Gold, 2 Silver 2 Bronze,; Benson Idahosa University, Benin, Edo State won 6 Gold, 5 Silver and 7 Bronze medal to clinch sixth position.
University of Cape Coast, Ghana, came 7th with 5 Gold, 4 Silver and 4 Bronze; University of Zambia came 8th with 5 Gold, 1 Silver and 2 Bronze; Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife in Osun State came 9th with 5 Gold, 1 Silver and 0 Bronze and Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Ghana came 10th with 4 Gold 7 Silver and 2 Bronze.
Speaking at the closing ceremony on Sunday, President Nigerian Universities Games Association (NUGA) and Chairman Organizing Committee, Dr. Bawa Mohammed appreciated the two host Vice- Chancellors, Prof. Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello and Prof. Folashade Ogunsola of LASU and UNILAG respectively and the members of the Organizing committee for their hard work and untiring commitment to the success of the games.

In his words: “I want to say that the 11th FASU games is historic in the sense that the games left Nigeria 20 years ago and today, we are witnessing it here again.”
He added that there is no event, that won’t come with one or two hiccups, “and you’ll bear with me that the last Olympics had about 7 years of preparations, yet there were crises here and there which simply explains the nature of humans, we can never be fair.”
He further said that any errors that they might have seen was not designed to happen adding that several records were broken and one of the major thing was the introduction of the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) in LASU.
The VC of LASU, Prof. Olatunji-Bello in her remarks said that ‘Lagos 2024’ demonstrated how sports can serve as tool to African unity.
She appreciated FASU and NUGA for the confidence reposed in LASU and UNILAG to host the 11th edition of FASU Games.
She added: “I am confident that the experience here and what we have learnt during the competition will assist favourably and positively impact the hosting of future games. For us in LASU, we are already looking forward to hosting another edition of the games in the nearest future.”

UNILAG’s VC, Prof. Ogunsola, in her remarks stated that over the last few days, African universities have witnessed not just sporting excellence, but the spirit of Camaraderie that unites everyone across different countries.
She further added that in line with the theme of the games, African universities have witnessed extraordinary talent and determination from student athletes, showcasing the very best of what the continent has to offer.
“Each competition has not only highlighted individual skills, but has also fostered teamwork, resilience and respect, values that are vital both in sports, life and certainly in leadership.
FASU President and Minister of Sports, Federal Republic of Egypt, Dr. Ashraf Sobhy represented by FASU Secretary General Peninnah Kabenge stated that over the past nine days, African institutions have experienced record breaking performances, thrilling competitions, unwavering team work among others.
“As we depart, let us carry forward a spirit of lasting friendship among athletes and officials and unity among Universities; thank you for your participation, your enthusiasm and your sportsmanship,” he added.

He announced at the event that henceforth, the two Vice- Chancellors from UNILAG and LASU are now officially patrons of FASU until the next games.
A total of 70 Universities participated, with 834 athletes, 590 males, 244 females accompanied by 185 officials to compete in 17 sports.
The Games torch was handed over to the representative of American University of Cairo, Egypt as the host of the 2026 edition of FASU Games.
BV.