The management of Lagos State University of Education (LASUED) on Monday 1st June, 2026, welcomed the institution's victorious football team, the LASUED Giants, as they officially presented the championship trophy they won at the recent 2026 UNITECOL CUP inter-university sports competition. They defeated their counterparts, the defending champions from Lagos State University (LASU Blazers), on their way to winning the highly contested title tournament.
The heroic reception was held in the Multimedia Complex Room of the Vice Chancellor's Office, bringing together principal officers, staff members, and students to celebrate the team's remarkable achievement and contributions to the institution's growing reputation.
In her address, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Bidemi Bilkis Lafiaji-Okuneye, congratulated the athletes for bringing honour and prestige to LASUED, notably as the team won the Fairplay team of the tournament through their spirit of sportsmanship and exemplary performance displayed throughout the competition. She described the student-athletes as ambassadors of the university, noting that those who represent the institution at national and international competitions help project its image globally. In addition, she urged the team to combine academic excellence with sporting success, emphasizing that education would continue to give them an edge in life regardless of their athletic achievements.
Prof. Lafiaji-Okuneye further advised the athletes to remain disciplined, maintain good conduct, and continue to uphold the values of the university. She specially congratulated the team captain, Idris Kehinde for winning the Most Valuable Player Award, exhibiting excellent leadership and near-perfection performance throughout the tournament and announced a cash reward of ₦20,000 for each player in recognition of their achievement to complement the ₦1 million cash prize initially won by the team as champions of the 2026 UNITECOLCup.
The Vice-Chancellor also commended members of the Directorate of Sports, including the Director, Deputy Director, coaches, assistants, and members of the LASUED Sports Advisory Committee, for their invaluable contributions to the success of the team.
The Deputy Vice-Chancellors (Academic) and (Administration) Prof. Daodu M.A. and Prof. Shittu M.A. in their respective speeches congratulated the athletes on their remarkable feat, describing them as worthy ambassadors of the university. They praised the team's determination and impressive performance, urging them not to rest on their laurels but to remain focused on achieving even greater success.
However, the University Registrar, Mr. Akinfemiwa Opeoluwa, commended the Directorate of Sports and athletes for the remarkable accomplishment. He noted that the victory reflected the dedication, teamwork, and commitment of all stakeholders involved and urged the team to continue upholding the values of the university wherever they go.
Furthermore, the University Librarian, Prof. Abayomi Imam, lauded the athletes for bringing honour to the institution and advised them to strike a balance between academics and athletics. According to him, excellence in sports should be complemented by academic achievement, as both are essential for future success and personal development.
Also speaking, the University Bursar, Mr. Ganiu Ajose, praised the team for serving as worthy ambassadors of the university. He noted that their triumph had brought honour and visibility to LASUED and urged them to remain focused and disciplined as they prepare for future competitions, particularly the forthcoming NUGA Games.
The Head of Campus Epe, Prof. Anthony Olumuyiwa Viatonu, praised the team for their outstanding performance and determination throughout the competition. He expressed delight that the athletes were able to overcome the odds and emerge champions despite being considered underdogs by many observers. He humorously upgraded their moniker from "underdogs" to "The Giant Killers". He encouraged them to remain focused and continue striving for excellence in future engagements.
Meanwhile, Director of Sports, Dr. Adeniyi Jimmy, expressed appreciation to the university management for its unwavering support towards sports development. He described the victory as a product of hard work, discipline, resilience, and teamwork, noting that the achievement would serve as motivation for the athletes to attain greater heights in future competitions. He also commended the coaches, sports officials, and the entire team for their commitment throughout the tournament.
Consequently, the Chairman, LASUED Sports Advisory Council, Dr. Olufemi Joseph (Fish) stated that successes recorded by the LASUED Giants are a testament to the confidence and resources invested in the athletes and sports administrators. He assured the management that the sports teams would continue to justify the trust reposed in them by bringing more laurels, medals, and championships to the university while contributing to the institution's growing reputation in sports excellence.
Speaking on behalf of the LASUED Giants, the team captain, Idris Kehinde expressed heartfelt appreciation to the Vice-Chancellor, management, Director of Sports, coaches, and all stakeholders for their unwavering support and encouragement. He noted that the team's success was made possible by the conducive environment and commitment of the university to sports development, assuring the management that the athletes would continue to justify the confidence reposed in them. He pledged that the LASUED Giants would remain focused and determined in future competitions, promising to consistently make the university proud by returning with more victories and honours.
In a magnificent show of delight and appreciation, the Chairman of the LASUED Sports Advisory Council, Dr. Olufemi Joseph (Fish) generously presented the University Directorate of Sports with four brand-new sets of jerseys for tennis, table tennis, and badminton. The gesture was made to commemorate and celebrate the historic triumph of the LASUED Giants at the just-concluded 2026 UNITECOL Cup. The presentation was warmly received by members of the University management and was described as a demonstration of the committee's commitment to the continuous development of sports in the institution.
LASUED Giants Present Championship Trophy to Management, Receive Commendation from University Leadership
