FASU Vice-Chancellors’ Forum Concludes with Call for Stronger University Sports Collaboration Across Africa

The 2nd Federation of Africa University Sports (FASU) Vice-Chancellors’ Forum and 5th FISU-FASU-NUSF Seminar concluded on Sunday, September 22, 2024, with key stakeholders committing to enhance collaborations aimed at advancing university sports both nationally and across Africa. The forum, which was part of the ongoing 11th All Africa University Games (FASU) in Lagos, co-hosted by the University of Lagos (UNILAG) and Lagos State University (LASU), focused on revitalizing and repositioning university sports for regional and continental growth.

Dr. Ashraf Sobhy, President of FASU and Egypt’s Minister of Youth and Sports, lauded the value of the Vice-Chancellors' Forum and Seminar, underscoring its importance to the development of university sports. He commended the exceptional organization of the FASU Games by UNILAG and LASU, stating that the standard set must be upheld in future events.

Key speakers at the seminar, including FISU Development and NUSF Relations Manager, Mr. Tarmo Jaakson, and FASU Secretary General, Ms. Peninnah Kabenge Aligawesa, highlighted development opportunities within FISU and FASU that African universities can leverage to enhance their sports programs and provide global exposure for student-athletes.

A notable panel discussion on “Strategies for Elevating University Sports Programmes” featured leaders such as Mr. Mwape Nsimbi (President, CUCSA) and Professor Munayi Simon (President, FEAUS), where various strategies were shared to elevate university sports in Africa.

The event also featured a presentation by Professor Mopelola Olusakin, Director of the Safeguarding Centre at UNILAG, on “Safeguarding in University Sports: Promoting a Culture of Safety, Integrity, and Inclusion.”

In her closing remarks, UNILAG Vice-Chancellor, Professor Folasade Ogunsola, OON, FAS, praised participants for their dedication and emphasized that the enthusiasm demonstrated will lead to significant improvements in university sports, especially in NUGA and FASU events.

Additionally, the forum acknowledged the International Day of University Sports (IDUS), celebrated annually on September 20, with a focus on promoting wellness, social exchange, fair play, and cultural diversity among university students.

Football Action Heats Up Meanwhile, on the football field, Day 1 of the FASU tournament saw the University of Development Studies (UDS), Ghana, edge out host team UNILAG (UNILAG Marines) with a 1-0 victory, thanks to a second-half goal. Nkumba University, Uganda, also defeated the University of Jos (UNIJOS) 2-0 in Group B.

At the LASU Centre, Lagos State University (LASU) played to a 1-1 draw against defending champions Kenyatta University, Kenya, while the University of Ghana and Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE) ended their match in a goalless stalemate.

The FASU Games continue to deliver intense competition and showcase the best of African university sportsmanship.