My esteemed colleagues and world-class students,
Last night, Sunday, 29th September 2024, we concluded a new chapter in LASU’s history with the closing ceremony of the 11th All Africa University Games. That ceremony was the culmination of weeks and months of intricate planning and round-the-clock work by many of our members of staff and students who were directly involved in the organisation of the Games.
This morning, I woke up proud and fulfilled about the outcome of the sheer audacity that we displayed as a university community to co-host the whole of Africa alongside the University of Lagos. Oh! What a glorious dawn for our university! What a happy day that we successfully pulled off hosting the first international competition in our university’s 41-year history! Against all odds, we did it and even outdid ourselves! We can be proud of ourselves. This is our story; this is our song: We successfully hosted the whole of Africa and emerging as the first runners-up and the best in Nigeria was the icing on the cake.
The gains of our hosting are numerous, some in the immediate and some in the future. But there is no doubt that LASU has become better for it.
I am, therefore, filled with gratitude, first to the Almighty God for His grace and mercy, and to our athletes, our worthy ambassadors, who competed with some of the best in Africa and came out shining like stars. This achievement is not just a feather in our cap but a testament to the unwavering spirit of excellence that makes us truly great as a university. You are the true epitome of champions, regardless of the colours of your medals or the absence of hem. I celebrate you indeed.
To all members of the university community, I thank you for working together to make the Games a success. I thank most especially members and co-opted members of the Local Organising Committee under the leadership of the Alternate Chair, my Deputy, Prof. Adenike Boyo, and all the service centres for your hard work throughout the last few months. Your selfless and committed service in various capacities is a testament that LASU is blessed with the most dedicated group of workers anywhere in the world.
I also thank you, my dear students, and especially the volunteers, for your commitment and sacrifices. You served with distinction.
I must also extend my gratitude to the Lagos State Government, particularly Mr. Governor, Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, and the Honourable Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Hon. Tolani Sule, for their unwavering support. Thank you for backing us to successfully host the competition.
As I close, I want to remind you all that our greatness as a university is beyond mere rhetorical, but in the substance that shapes us. Let us, therefore, continue to strive for excellence, support one another, and celebrate our wins as one family.
The last few months have shown that if we are determined and work together, we can move mountains.
Thank you indeed, and God bless you.
We are LASU; we are great!
Professor Ibiyemi Ibilola Olatunji-Bello, mni, NPOM
Vice Chancellor
