Authorities of the University of Lagos (UNILAG) have been commended for the top-notch state of sporting facilities within the institution.
The President, Nigerian University Games Association (NUGA), Mr. Emeka Ogbu gave the commendation on Wednesday, March 22, 2023, when he led a team of NUGA Executives on a courtesy visit to the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Folasade T. Ogunsola, FAS, at the Senate House.
The courtesy visit of the NUGA Executive Committee Members preceded the Association’s Council Meeting at the NUGA secretariat in UNILAG. It was an opportunity for the new NUGA helmsman to commend the new leadership of the university for supporting the Association even after the successfully hosting the 26th Nigerian University Games Association in 2022.
He noted that the Association and participating institutions were proud of UNILAG for setting a huge standard.
Mr. Ogbu also commended the University management for the significant efforts made to improve facilities since the close of the intra-university games. This, he described is a testament of the institution’s commitment to sports development.
While decrying the low participation of students in the sports programs, the NUGA Boss averred that the main barriers affecting participation include the cost of being part of a sports team, lack of time due to academic commitments, part-time work, or social life taking precedence among others.
He stressed the need for institutions to create greater avenues for more participation in sports by instituting awards of scholarships for students.
Mr. Ogbu informed the Vice-Chancellor of the need for her and some members of the institution to be a part of the contingent to the World Athletics Games in Guangzhou, China. He noted that the experience garnered will afford the university an opportunity to gain knowledge on global best practices, as well as exposure in sporting events and its organization.
In response, the Vice-Chancellor appreciated the NUGA President for sharing his thoughts on ways to ensure massive participation in sports. She declared the University’s readiness to pursue plans that would correct the grey area as highlighted by the NUGA Chief.
The university helmswoman also revealed steps already been pursued by the university to build a sports hostel as part of its continued support for the growth of sports, bearing in mind the huge impact it has on nation-building.
Professor Ogunsola expressed confidence in the university’s readiness to host the Federation of African University Sports (FASU) 2024 in collaboration with the Lagos State University (LASU), Ojo. The Professor of Medical Microbiology posited that infrastructure and other gaming facilities would be upgraded ahead of the inter-African university sporting event. She however decried the paucity of funds; a situation she said has hampered many efforts within and beyond sports.
At the end of the courtesy visit, there was a presentation of souvenir to the Vice-Chancellor and group photographs.
The NUGA Executive meeting is expected to run till Thursday, March 23, 2023. Thereafter, the team would take a day trip to Lagos State University, Ojo, for a meeting on the Federation of African University Sports (FASU) 2024, to be co-hosted by the two Lagos-based institutions.
