The merger of the committees, a strategic move to leverage on the strengths and resources of both institutions, was part of the activities at the Pre-FASU Games Seminar held on Tuesday, March 26, 2024, at the Aderemi Makanjuola Lecture Theatre, LASU, Ojo. The last Games were held at the Kenyatta University in the Kenyan capital of Nairobi from 6 - 10 June 2022.

The Vice Chancellor of UNILAG, Professor Folasade Ogunsola, stressed the importance of sports as a major factor in social integration. She noted that the All-Africa University Games would provide a platform for young Africans to interact, build relationships and forge links across different cultures and communities, as well as promote social cohesion and integration. 

"Africa has about 1,300 million people, 70% of whom are under the age of 30 years. These young people are the pride of Africa. Nigeria has about 159 million of that population, so what we are doing is building a future where young people come together, work together and excel. The bridges that we build will take us far into the future. And where better to build those bridges than in Lagos State, the centre of excellence, and where better than UNILAG and LASU?," she stressed.

The Vice-Chancellor of LASU, Professor Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, trusts in the ability of the organising committee members of both institutions to jointly host a great event. "I have no doubt that with the pedigree of the persons who have been appointed to serve on the various sub-committees of the main organising committees, we will have nothing but success at the end of the competition." 

The Secretary General of the Federation of African University Sports (FASU), Dr. Peninnah Kabenge, noted that the inter-university sporting event would be an exciting experience for the athletes, officials, and spectators, as well as raise the profile of UNILAG and LASU on the international stage. "I am delighted that Nigeria is once again opening its doors to Africa as we celebrate 20 years since the revival of the Games. It is no coincidence that the same country that hosted the Games in 2004 is hosting us again," she said. 

The Arrowhead and President of the Nigerian University Games Association (NUGA), Dr. Bawa Muhammad, congratulated the host institutions, describing the seminar as the official commencement of activities leading to the 11th FASU Games. "With the support of UNILAG and LASU, the forthcoming games are expected to be a celebration of sportsmanship, friendship, and excellence," he said.

Delegates at the Pre-FASU Games Seminar were treated to a wide range of insightful lectures from renowned gurus in various fields of expertise, including former Secretary General of NUGA, Mr Bola Orodele; Professor Iyiola Oni of the Centre for Multi-Modal Transport Studies, University of Lagos; and Professor Clement Fasan, the Programme Director, International Olympic Committee Advanced Sports Management Course (ASMC) Nigeria. 

The All-Africa University Games, organised by FASU, were first held in 1975 in Accra, Ghana. Nigeria last hosted the Games in 2004 in Bauchi State. The University of Lagos (UNILAG) and Lagos State University (LASU), both located in Lagos State, will co-host the 11th FASU Games with team sports including basketball, football, volleyball and handball, and individual sports such as athletics, badminton, chess, judo, table tennis, tennis, karate, taekwondo and swimming.