12th FASU Games: Vice-Chancellors' Forum Highlights University Sport as a Catalyst for African Development
The future of African university sport took centre stage on 10 September 2026 as university leaders and senior sports officials gathered at the British University in Egypt for the Vice Chancellors' Forum held as part of the 12th All Africa University Games.
Held under the theme, "University Sport as a Catalyst for Institutional Excellence and African Development," the forum provided a platform for university leaders and sports stakeholders to examine the role of sport in higher education and its contribution to institutional and continental development.
Among those present were Prof. Abdelaziz Konsowa, Egypt's Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research and Acting Minister of Culture, and Major General Ahmed Nasser, President of the Association of African Sports Confederations. Leaders and representatives from FASU, FISU and universities across Africa also participated in the forum.
The programme opened with welcome remarks, followed by addresses from FASU President Prof. Ashraf Sobhy and FISU President Leonz Eder. Their participation highlighted the importance of collaboration between the two organisations in strengthening university sport, expanding opportunities for student athletes and supporting the development of university sport across Africa.
FISU Secretary General and CEO Matthias Remund delivered the keynote address, titled "University Sport as a Strategic Asset: Why It Matters to the Modern University." His presentation examined how universities can view sport as a strategic institutional asset beyond competitions, teams and medals. A question and answer session followed, allowing participants to further engage with the issues raised.
The forum encouraged university leaders to consider the wider contribution of sport to student wellbeing, academic success, leadership development, institutional visibility and community engagement. The discussions moved beyond participation figures and medal counts to examine what university sport can help institutions achieve.
Building A Stronger University Sport Ecosystem
The second session, "FASU and FISU: The University Sport Ecosystem," was led by Andrea Uccello, FISU Director of World University Championships, and Peninnah K. Aligawesa, FASU Secretary General.
The session provided an overview of the two organisations, their strategic priorities and the International Day of University Sport, while highlighting opportunities for stronger cooperation between universities, national university sports federations, FASU and FISU.
The discussion also highlighted how this interconnected university sport structure can support competition, collaboration, capacity building, knowledge exchange and international engagement.
From Participation To Institutional Impact
The central discussion took place during the Vice Chancellors' Roundtable, moderated by Dr Florence Nakamya Musoke.
Titled "From Participation to Institutional Impact," the roundtable brought together vice chancellors from Ghana, Nigeria and Somalia to examine how universities can use sport to support institutional priorities, including student success, wellbeing, partnerships and sustainable development.
The discussion emphasised that the value of university sport extends beyond competition. Sport can strengthen relationships, create partnership opportunities, enhance university visibility and provide institutions with platforms for engaging their communities.
For African universities, the conversation highlighted the importance of translating sporting potential into deliberate institutional strategies supported by effective policies, structures, investment and collaboration.
The forum concluded with lunch, networking and an exhibition presented by students of the British University in Egypt.
Although held alongside the 12th All Africa University Games, the Vice Chancellors' Forum extended beyond the competitions in Cairo, creating space for dialogue on the broader role and future of university sport. The Games have brought together 82 universities from 18 African countries, providing a wider platform for conversations around research, governance, development and university sport.
The forum reinforced the importance of looking beyond what happens on the field of play and recognising what university sport can enable institutions, students and communities to build for the future.
Source: Federation of Africa University Sports (FASU) Original report by: Victor Oluwaseun Olabisi