The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lagos, Professor Folasade T. Ogunsola, has announced plans to construct a dedicated hostel for student-athletes, reaffirming the institution’s commitment to their welfare and holistic development.
Ogunsola made the disclosure during a meet-and-greet session with the university’s contingent that participated in the 27th Nigeria University Games Association Games (NUGA), held in Jos, Plateau State, from November 6 to 16, 2025.
Commending the athletes for their resilience and discipline, the Vice-Chancellor said the proposed hostel project, initially designed to accommodate 360 students but later reviewed to 240 bed spaces due to rising construction costs, is expected to be completed before the end of 2026.
She acknowledged the accommodation and academic challenges faced by student-athletes, including conflicts between training schedules and lectures, as well as accreditation setbacks during the Games. Ogunsola assured the athletes that the university management would continue to engage relevant stakeholders to address their concerns while maintaining academic standards.
Earlier, Chairman of the UNILAG Sports Council, Professor Alabi Sebili Soneye, said the university registered 440 athletes for the Games, but only 289 were cleared by the NUGA Technical Committee. Further accreditation processes reduced the number to 166, while 53 athletes qualified at the Zone A preliminary stage.
Eventually, the institution fielded 50 athletes and 20 officials who embarked on a 32- to 36-hour road trip to Jos.
Despite the hurdles, UNILAG secured 22 medals across different sports, including boxing, judo, taekwondo, athletics, badminton, squash, karate and women’s football.
At the end of the Games, Benson Idahosa University emerged overall champions with 25 gold medals, while the host, University of Jos, finished second. University of Benin placed third on the medals table.
The 28th NUGA Games will be hosted by the University of Calabar in 2026.
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