The authorities of the Lagos State University (LASU) have pledged to appoint more professional coaches ahead to enhance its athletes performance at the next Nigerian Universities Games Association (NUGA) Games.
The institution’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor (DVC), Academics, Prof. Olumuyiwa Noah, gave the assurance on Friday while receiving the university’s contingent to the 25th NUGA competition, held in Makurdi.
Noah, who received the contingent on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Olanrewaju Fagbohun, also said that the institution would provide quality kits for its athletes for next competition.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that LASU came second among the private universities that featured in the competition hosted by the Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi, from April 22 to April 29.
University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT) had 70 gold, 47 silver and 33 bronze medals won in Judo, Athletics, Taekwondo, Volleyball, Basketball, Scrabble and Tennis.
Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, won 11 gold, two silver and three bronze medals to emerge a distant second, while Benson Idahosa University came third with 10 gold, seven silver and nine bronze.
University of Lagos (UNILAG) was fourth with 20 medals, made up of nine gold, four silver and seven bronze, while University of Benin was fifth and the host institution was 11th with two gold, 10 silver and 12 bronze medals.
Noah said that with more professional coaches and improved kits for the athletes, the university would perform better in future competitions.
“Today we are all winners, LASU is coming back to its winning ways and we are moving forward to ensure better performance in future Games.
“Honorary coaches will be appointed soon, whoever that cannot compete will not be appointed as a coach, and the quality of kits for our athletes will be improved upon for better performance,’’ he said.
The DVC commended the athletes for their handwork and high spirit of sportsmanship displayed during the competition.
He expressed appreciation to the university’s Bursar, Mr Adetayo Hassan, for ensuring prompt release of approved funds to the sports unit.
The Acting Dean, Students’ Affairs, LASU, Dr Oluwafemi Obayori, commended the athletes for their excellent performance in the competition, urging them to sustain the spirit for improvement.
“Today is a great day in the life of LASU, coming second among other participating universities is highly commendable.
“We applaud your spirit of participation and hoped that LASU can always do better,’’ Obayori said.
The Chairman, LASU Sports Council, Prof. Oluranti Ogunbiyi, thanked the university’s management for supporting the team to take part in the competition.
“We went, we saw and we conquered,’’ she said.
NAN reports that five athletes won medals for the university at the competition.
They are Anetekhai Priscilla silver medal in Judo, Adelakun Nimah, silver medal in Taekwondo, Legunsen Abiodun, bronze medal in Athletics, Abdulsalam Mariam, Taekwondo bronze medal and Ihaza Nosa, Judo bronze medal. (NAN)