LASUED Management Hosts, Celebrates Sports Heroes

In a vibrant display of institutional pride and athletic excellence, the Directorate of Sports of the Lagos State University of Education (LASUED) on Thursday 16th April, 2026 paid a courtesy visit to the Vice-Chancellor to formally present medals and trophies won by student-athletes across several prestigious international and local competitions. ‎The visit held at the Multimedia Complex of the Vice Chancellor's Office served as a victory lap for the university's contingents who participated in the West African University Games (WAUG), the FISU World University Games, the Federation of Africa University Sports (FASU), and the Nigerian University Games Association (NUGA) events held over the past year. ‎In her address, the Vice Chancellor, Professor Bidemi Bilkis Lafiaji-Okuneye, began with a personal reflection on a deep passion for sports, recalling life as a student-athlete before studying Physical and Health Education. The address highlighted how sports build not only physical strength but also confidence, self-esteem, and social skills, noting that participation pushes individuals out of their comfort zones and encourages interaction. This experience was shared to inspire students and affirm that sports play a key role in personal development. ‎The Vice Chancellor also emphasized management’s commitment to students, stating that the university exists because of them. The athletes were commended for choosing discipline and positive engagement over negative influences, with sports described as a meaningful “side hustle” that teaches lasting values like resilience and teamwork. ‎Present at the event were the Registrar, Mr. Akinfemiwa Opeoluwa Registrar who on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor welcomed and congratulated the athletes. Implored them to continue to make the university proud. Meanwhile, the Bursar, Mr. Ganiu Ajose Adeniyi described the students as "ambassadors" who have placed the university's name in gold. ‎Echoing a sentiment of continuous improvement. In addition the Director, Internal Audit, Mr. Nojeem Isiaka A. reminded the athletes that "the reward for hard work is more work," charging the directorate to aim for a top-three finish in the next NUGA games. ‎In his address, Dean, College of Specialized & Professional Education, Professor Melekeowie P.D, who represented the Vice-Chancellor at the NUGA games, lauded the students for their conduct and appearance. "Our university was absolutely a great university at that competition. We had the best dress format, and we did not go as underdogs. We went, we won medals, and we came back with glory," he remarked. Also speaking, the Chairman, LASUED Sports Advisory Council, Dr. Olufemi Joseph (Fish) applauded the Vice-Chancellor and her team for the massive support received over the years. He noted that the team will continue to excel through the huge support from the management. Furthermore, the Director of sports, Dr. Adeniyi Jimmy, expressed profound gratitude to the University management, noting that the institution’s rapid ascent in the sporting world is a direct result of the wherewithal and support provided by the Vice-Chancellor’s Office. "I can boldly say that LASUED's name has been written on the world sports map as a team to beat." ‎ In a symbolic gesture of appreciation, the Federation of Africa University Sports (FASU) and NUGA both awarded special medals to the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Bidemi Bilkis Lafiaji-Okuneye in recognition of her commitment to sports development honours that were formally presented during the event.‎ The ceremony highlighted the diverse reach of LASUED’s athletic program. The university was represented at the World University Games (FISU) in Germany by standout athletes, including Mr. Jesse Jonah and Member Florence in Taekwondo. Officials noted that while the competition featured the best talent from across the globe, the LASUED representatives made "Nigeria as a nation known" on the international stage. ‎ ‎The Deputy Director of Sports, LASUED, Ms. Yetunde Balogun, a representative of the coaches, praised the Vice-Chancellor’s unique leadership style. She noted that the VC’s "motherly support" removed the "do-or-die" pressure often associated with sports. She stated "The Vice-Chancellor would always tell us: 'You win some, you lose some. Whatever result you bring home, I will always be proud of you," the coach shared. "That encouragement gives us the room to do even more." ‎The captain of LASUED 's student-athletes, Fatoye Eniola, commended the institution’s management, coaches, and lecturers for their strong support. He described the achievement as a collective success, noting that the medals earned reflect the athletes’ sacrifice, discipline, resilience, and teamwork, as well as the vital role of institutional backing in enabling them to compete at national and international levels; adding that the recognition serves as motivation to strive for greater excellence and further enhance the university’s global standing. ‎The event concluded with a formal decoration of the athletes. In a structured show of leadership, the Vice-Chancellor personally presented the Gold medals, while the Registrar and Bursar presented the Silver and Bronze medals, respectively.