KWASU Promotes National Unity Through Colourful Cultural Festival

 

The Vice-Chancellor of Kwara State University (KWASU), Malete, Professor Shaykh Luqman Jimoh, has described cultural diversity as a vital instrument for peace, dialogue and social harmony among people of different backgrounds.

Professor Jimoh stated this during the university’s celebration of the 2026 World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development, where students and guests were treated to vibrant displays of Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage.

The Vice-Chancellor said the institution would continue to encourage programmes that strengthen unity and peaceful coexistence among students regardless of tribe, religion or cultural affiliation.

“Our diversity is our strength. KWASU will continue to promote programmes that bring people together and strengthen our shared humanity,” he said.

The event, themed “Different Roots, One Campus,” attracted academics, students, cultural enthusiasts and dignitaries from within and outside the university community.

The celebration featured cultural exhibitions showcasing music, indigenous fashion, traditional cuisine and intercultural exchanges aimed at promoting tolerance and understanding among students.

One of the major highlights of the occasion was a colourful cultural parade by Yoruba, Hausa and Igbo students, who entertained the audience with traditional dances, songs and displays of cultural identity.

Delivering the guest lecture, Professor AbdulRasheed Abiodun Adeoye of the University of Ilorin stressed the importance of embracing cultural diversity as a pathway to national development and peaceful coexistence.

He urged Nigerians to see cultural differences as opportunities for unity rather than division.

The atmosphere at the event became more lively with performances by popular cultural entertainers and chanters who thrilled participants with indigenous renditions and stage performances.

Among the performers was renowned Yoruba chant artiste and cultural revivalist, Remilekun Mariam Kasali-Adelabu, popularly known as RemmyChanter, an alumna of KWASU celebrated for promoting Yoruba heritage through indigenous chants across the globe.

Other entertainers, including Boyalone and Mateen, also added glamour to the event with energetic performances rooted in African cultural traditions.

Speaking at the programme, the Convener and Coordinator of Student Leadership and Policy Engagement (SL&PE), Aliyu Uthman Abdulkadir, commended the university management for supporting initiatives aimed at deepening intercultural understanding among students.

He particularly appreciated the Vice-Chancellor for creating an enabling environment for cultural inclusion and student engagement on campus.

The event also featured the presentation of gifts and goodwill tokens to the Vice-Chancellor by various student and cultural associations in recognition of his support for unity and cultural integration within the institution.

Chairman of the Local Organising Committee, Habeeb Daranijo, described the celebration as historic and memorable.

According to him, the success of the programme reflected the commitment of the university community towards preserving cultural heritage while promoting peace and unity.

“This is a beautiful day and one for the history books of KWASU,” Daranijo said.

The celebration ended with renewed calls for tolerance, unity and appreciation of cultural diversity beyond ethnic and linguistic differences.