By OLUWASEUN NUBI

The Lagos State University (LASU) and University of Lagos are gearing up to host the 11^th African University Games, scheduled to hold from Sept. 20 to Sept. 29.

Chidiebere Ezeani, the Acting Secretary General of Nigerian University Games Association (NUGA), made this known in a statement on Thursday in Lagos.

He noted that the collaboration would showcase a commitment to foster sports excellence within the African university community.

“LASU and UNILAG have joined forces to co-host this prestigious event.

“The sporting extravaganza will feature an array of disciplines across two categories: Category one; Individual Sports: Athletics, Badminton, Chess, Judo, Table Tennis, Tennis, Karate, Taekwondo and Swimming.

“Category two will feature team sports: Basketball, Football, Volleyball, and Handball,” he said.

The Secretary said that Gov. Babajide Sanwo- Olú, during the commissioning of some projects at Lagos State University earlier this month, reaffirmed his commitment to supporting the African university sports community.

He noted that the initiative aligned with his vision to promote sports development and provide world-class facilities for athletes.

The statement indicated that the historic aspect of the event was the co-hosting by female vice chancellors of the respective universities.

“Professor Folasade Ogunsola, FAS, the 13^th Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lagos, and her counterpart, Prof. Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, the 9^th Vice-Chancellor of Lagos State University, will lead this groundbreaking collaboration,” it read in part.

In her reaction; Prof. Ogunsola is quoted as outlining plans in place to host the university sports with its facilities, including the recently commissioned 240-bed sports hostel.

“We will leverage on the excellent facilities developed during the NUGA Games in 2021,” she said.

Expressing gratitude to the Governor of Lagos State for his support, Prof. Olatunji-Bello highlighted the significance of the event for Lagos State and the broader Nigerian university community.

NUGA’s Acting President, Dr. Bawa Mohammed, commended the co-hosting institutions for their continuous contribution to the development of university sports in Nigeria.

He tasked them with showcasing the warmth of Nigerian hospitality and providing Africa with a memorable experience.

The 11^th African University Games promises to be a celebration of athleticism, unity, and cultural exchange, further solidifying Nigeria’s commitment to the growth of sports on the continent. (NAN)

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