The second (2nd) FASU Vice-Chancellors’ Forum/5th FISU-FASU-NUSF Seminar came to a close on Sunday, September 22, 2024 with stakeholders agreeing to foster collaborations which would help grow university sports nationally and across Africa.
Holding as part of activities for the ongoing 11th All Africa University Games (FASU) Lagos 2024 being co-hosted by the University of Lagos (UNILAG) and Lagos State University (LASU), Day 2 of the FASU Vice-Chancellors’ Forum/FISU-FASU-NUSF Seminar was dedicated to discussions on how to revitalize and reposition university sports for national, regional and continental development.
In his remarks, the President, Federation of Africa University Sports (FASU), Dr. Ashraf Sobhy described the Vice-Chancellors’ Forum and Seminar as being of huge value to the development of university sports and a big take-home for all participants at the 11th FASU Games.
While applauding the management of UNILAG for the glitz and glamour which characterized the opening ceremony of the 11th FASU Games (held in the evening on Saturday, September 21, 2024 at the UNILAG Sports Centre: https://unilag.edu.ng/?p=42190), the Egyptian Minister of Youth and Sports expressed strong convictions that both UNILAG and LASU have raised the bar of FASU in terms of organization, a milestone which must be sustained.
FISU Development and NUSF Relations Manager, Mr. Tarmo Jaakson alongside Secretary General of FASU, Ms. Peninnah Kabenge Aligawesa took turns to address the gathering on key activities, developmental strides and opportunities in FISU and FASU which universities can leverage on to grow their sports and expose their athletes to global opportunities.
The panel which featured Mr Mwape Nsimbi (President, CUCSA), Mr. Nzau wa Nzau Joseph (President, FASU ZAC), Mr. Tanko Ibrahim Shaibu (President WAUG) and Professor Munayi Simon (President, FEAUS) provided an avenue to share thoughts on the theme; “Strategies for Elevating University Sports Programmes”.
Director, Safeguarding Centre, University of Lagos, Professor Mopelola Olusakin also made a presentation on “Safeguarding in University Sports: Promoting a Culture of Safety, Integrity and Inclusion Pathway to Excellence”.
In her remarks to draw the curtains for the 2nd FASU Vice-Chancellors’ Forum/5th FISU-FASU-NUSF Seminar, the Vice-Chancellor, University of Lagos, Professor Folasade Ogunsola, OON, FAS, appreciated all participants and resource persons for the quality of discussions, suggestions and recommendations all through the 2-day exercise.
Prof. Ogunsola said “….the enthusiasm and commitment shown towards university sports by the stakeholders present are pointers to the huge improvement which awaits NUGA and FASU in the years ahead”.
The second (2nd) FASU Vice-Chancellors’ Forum/5th FISU-FASU-NUSF Seminar did not go without a mention of the International Day of University Sports (IDUS) celebrated on September 20 annually, as established by the International University Sports Federation (FISU) in 2016 and recognized by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).
The International Day of University Sports is to inspire university students to engage in sports for the purpose of; Wellness , Social Exchange and Understanding, Fair play and Teamwork as well as for Cultural Exchange and Diversity, goals which stakeholders believe the ongoing FASU would help achieve.
Click here for highlights of Day 1 of the FASU Vice-Chancellors’ Forum/FISU-FASU-NUSF Seminar.
…….. Football Begins
Meanwhile, action began on the football pitch on Sunday, September 22, 2024 with team UNILAG (UNILAG Marines) suffering a 1-0 loss to the University of Development Studies (UDS), Ghana courtesy of a second half strike from the away side. In the other Group B match at the same venue, University of Jos (UNIJOS) also suffered a 2 nil defeat to Nkumba University, Uganda.
Other matches played at the Lagos State University (LASU) Centre saw host; Lagos State University playing out a 1 all draw against defending champion; Kenyatta University, Kenya while the other match between the University of Ghana, and federal University, Oye-Ekiti ended in a stalemate.
Report: Gbenga Gbelee
Photography: Favour Megwara & Oluwaseyifunmi Anifowose