The University of Lagos (UNILAG), Akoka, and the Lagos State University (LASU) Ojo have strengthened collaboration to successfully co-host this year’s All Africa Universities Games (FASU) coming up in September.
This is the second time in history of the 53-year old sporting event that Nigeria will be hosting and also the first time that duo universities in the same state will co-host it.
To this end, the two universities have raised a joint committee with members from both universities to work towards achieving a successful outing.
At a joint seminar held at LASU, where the joint committee was also inaugurated, the two vice chancellors of the universities, Professor Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello (LASU) and Professor Folasade Ogunsola (UNILAG), expressed readiness and determination to host youths from African universities for the event and also thanked the Lagos State government and other stakeholders for their show of interest for supports.
Speaking at the seminar, Professor Olatunji-Bello, said hosting the event is not just a testament to the universities› commitment to the promotion of sports, but also a celebration of the rich diversity and talents in Africa.
She expressed confidence in the ability of the joint committee to deliver a good job.
“I have no doubt that with the array and pedigree of individuals, who will be serving in the main and various sub-committees will perform well.
“So, as members of the organising committees, you have been entrusted with a significant responsibility – to ensure the smooth and successful execution of this historic event and you can’t afford to fail.”
She therefore urged committee members to work together as one, saying the two universities and other stakeholders would certainly provide all the necessary support.
She also pointed out that the two universities will not only want to host a successful competition but also emerge as winners.
“So, we are hosting the event to make history,” she added.
Meanwhile, the VC of UNILAG, Professor Folasade Ogunsola, also re-echoed the determination of the two universities to record the best ever FASU games outing in the history of the competition.
While noting that Africa has about 1.3 billion people with 70 percent of the population below below 30 years and Nigeria alone has about 159 million from the number, she declared that the huge number of youths in Africa are the pride of the continent.
«So, what we are doing with the competition is to build a great future for the young people through synergy, collaboration and networking.
She, just like her LASU counterpart, she also urged the committee members to work together as a team and be committed to the purpose of their collaboration.
Meanwhile, the duo of former secretary-general of NUGA, Professor Iyiola Oni, from the Centre for Multi-Modal Transport Studies, UNILAG and Professor Clement Fasan, who is the programme director of International Olympic Committee Advanced Sports Management Course (ASMC) Nigeria, are ready to take them through some classes and prepare them well for the tasks ahead.
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