The Faculty of Education, University of Lagos (UNILAG) has emerged champions of the 2024 UNILAG Vice-Chancellor’s Inter-Faculty Games. With 17 medals, the Faculty was closely followed on the medals table by Faculty of Science that came second with a total of 16 medals, just as the Faculty of Social Sciences emerged third with 13 medals.
In what could be described as the headline event of the Games, the highly anticipated male football match final of the competition played on Friday, January 25, 2024, at the main pitch of the UNILAG Sports Centre became the main attraction for fans. It was also the culminating sporting event that signaled the end of activities for the 2024 Games.
The atmosphere at the main pitch was electric with students, faculty members, and supporters gathered to witness the clash between the Faculties of Management Sciences and Education.
The presence of the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Folasade Ogunsola, OON, FAS, who cheered on the two teams, added colour to the occasion. She was in good company with other management staff including Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Management Services), Professor Lucian Chukwu; Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic and Research), Professor Bola Oboh; Acting Registrar, Mrs. Olakunle Makinde; University Librarian, Professor Yetunde Zaid; Chairman of the UNILAG Sports Council, Professor Afolabi Lesi, and Director of Sport, Dr. Joseph Awoinfa, among others.
The Faculty of Management Sciences (FMS) demonstrated their attacking prowess early in the game, applying pressure on their opponent’s defense with swift passing and dynamic movement off the ball. However, Faculty of Education displayed resilience and organization in defense, thwarting the advances of team FMS.
As the match progressed, it became evident that both teams were evenly matched, with end-to-end action and skillful displays that kept the spectators on the edge of their seats. From the blast of the whistle till the end, numerous scoring opportunities were created but not converted. With neither team able to break the deadlock in regular time, the match proceeded to penalties.
The penalty shootout which was a nerve-wracking affair, witnessed each team displaying composure and precision from the spot. As the shoot-out wore on and reached its climax, it would be Faculty of Education’s Obulu John final strike that would send their supporters into wild scenes of jubilation.
With the victory also recorded in the Female Football event, Faculty of Education was announced overall Champions of the 2024 Vice-Chancellors Inter-Faculty Games with a total of 17 medals in their kitty.
Below is the medal chart
| POSITION | FACULTY | GOLD | SILVER | BRONZE |
| 1st | EDUCATION | 12 | 3 | 2 |
| 2nd | SCIENCE | 6 | 3 | 7 |
| 3rd | SOCIAL SCIENCE | 3 | 3 | 7 |
| 4th | ENGINEERING | 2 | 3 | – |
| 5th | LAW | 1 | – | 3 |
| 6th | MANAGEMENT SCIENCE | – | 6 | 3 |
| 7th | CLINICAL SCIENCES | – | 2 | 1 |
| 8th | ARTS | – | 2 | 2 |
| 9th | ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE | – | 1 | 1 |
| 10th | DENTAL SCIENCE | – | – | 1 |
| 11th | PHARMACY | – | – | – |
Report: Bayo Salau
Photographs: Islamiat Akanni
