LASUED Celebrates Sporting Excellence, Hosts Medal-Winning Athletes in Grand Recognition Ceremony

The Lagos State University of Education (LASUED) on Thursday, 16 April 2026, hosted a formal reception for its student-athletes in recognition of outstanding performances recorded at major local and international sporting competitions over the past year.

The ceremony, organized by the Directorate of Sports, featured the presentation of medals and trophies won at events including the West African University Games (WAUG), Fédération Internationale du Sport Universitaire (FISU) World University Games in Germany, Federation of Africa University Sports (FASU), and the Nigerian University Games Association (NUGA).

Held at the Multimedia Complex of the Vice Chancellor’s Office, the event served as a celebration of institutional achievement and sporting excellence, drawing senior university officials, coaches, and student-athletes.

Speaking at the event, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Bidemi Bilkis Lafiaji-Okuneye, reflected on her personal background in sports and emphasized its broader role in shaping discipline, confidence, and social development among students. She noted that athletic participation contributes significantly to personal growth and life skills beyond academics.

She commended the student-athletes for their discipline and positive representation of the university, describing sports as a constructive platform that fosters resilience, teamwork, and character development.

“The university exists because of the students. You have chosen discipline over distraction, and that alone is worth celebrating,” she said.

Senior university officials also praised the athletes for their achievements. The Registrar, Mr. Akinfemiwa Opeoluwa, congratulated the team on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor and encouraged them to continue representing the institution with pride and commitment.

The Bursar, Mr. Ganiu Ajose Adeniyi, described the athletes as ambassadors who have elevated the university’s reputation through their performances on both national and international stages.

The Director of Internal Audit, Mr. Nojeem Isiaka A., while commending the team, urged them to maintain momentum and aim for higher placements in future competitions, referencing the importance of continuous improvement.

Representing the Vice-Chancellor at the NUGA Games, Professor Melekeowie P.D., Dean of the College of Specialized and Professional Education, praised the athletes’ discipline and presentation, noting that LASUED competed strongly and returned with commendable results.

“Our university went as prepared contenders, not underdogs. We competed, we excelled, and we returned with medals and honour,” he said.

The Chairman of the LASUED Sports Advisory Council, Dr. Olufemi Joseph, also commended the university leadership for consistent support, describing it as a key driver of the institution’s growing sporting success.

The Director of Sports, Dr. Adeniyi Jimmy, attributed the university’s rising profile in sports to strong institutional backing from management, stating that LASUED has become increasingly recognized as a competitive force in university athletics.

In a symbolic recognition of leadership support, the Federation of Africa University Sports (FASU) and NUGA presented special awards to the Vice-Chancellor in appreciation of her contribution to sports development.

The university also highlighted its international representation at the FISU World University Games in Germany, where athletes such as Jesse Jonah and Member Florence competed in Taekwondo, earning commendation for their performance on the global stage.

Coaches and sports officials praised the Vice-Chancellor’s supportive leadership style, noting that her encouragement fostered a positive and low-pressure environment for athletes.

The captain of the student-athletes, Fatoye Eniola, described the achievements as a collective success driven by discipline, resilience, and institutional support, adding that the recognition serves as motivation for future excellence.

The ceremony concluded with the formal presentation of medals, where the Vice-Chancellor awarded gold medals, the Registrar presented silver medals, and the Bursar presented bronze medals to the athletes.

The event reinforced LASUED’s growing reputation in university sports and its continued investment in student development through athletics.