University of Lagos (UNILAG) has officially announced its readiness to host the upcoming 2024 Africa University Games.
In a historic move, UNILAG’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Folashade Ogunsola, the first female to hold this position in the institution’s 60-year history, expressed the university’s strong commitment to the advancement of sports on its campus.
Addressing the press, Professor Ogunsola proudly declared that UNILAG has been selected as the host venue for the Federation of Africa University Sports (FASU) in 2024.
This announcement comes as a result of UNILAG’s sports center meeting all the necessary requirements to host the prestigious event.
During the previous Nigerian University Games Association (NUGA) Games, UNILAG dedicated significant efforts to revamp its sports facilities.
Now, the university is striving to take its sports facilities to even greater heights by constructing a sports hostel capable of accommodating 240 athletes. Additionally, UNILAG has upgraded various sporting arenas, including the indoor gym, basketball courts, and cricket fields, ensuring that they meet international standards.
Notably, the swimming pool has been expanded to Olympic-size dimensions, further exemplifying UNILAG’s commitment to providing top-notch sports facilities.
Professor Ogunsola emphasized that sports hold immense importance at UNILAG, and the institution plans to develop sports-related courses, such as sports medicine, to further support athletes.
In an ambitious move, UNILAG aims to establish a sports academy in collaboration with corporate organizations. This initiative aims to leverage the university’s existing infrastructure and expertise to nurture promising athletes and propel them towards success.
Meanwhile, the NUGA has raised concerns over the financial challenges faced by Nigerian student athletes, potentially hindering their participation in the upcoming World University Games in Chengdu, China.
Chidiebere Ezeani, the Acting General Secretary of NUGA, expressed the urgent need for assistance, citing limited resources as a significant obstacle for the exceptional athletes chosen to represent their country.
As UNILAG prepares to host the 2024 Africa University Games, the university’s unwavering focus on sports development and its commitment to enhancing facilities and support systems demonstrate its determination to provide an exceptional experience for athletes and contribute to the growth of sports in Nigeria and across the continent.