Kwara State University (KWASU), Malete, came alive with colorful cultural displays, music, and intellectual discourse as it marked the 2026 World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development with a renewed call for unity and peaceful coexistence.
Themed "Different Roots, One Campus," the celebration attracted students, academics, cultural enthusiasts, and dignitaries from within and outside the university community.
Vice-Chancellor Emphasizes Diversity as Strength
The Vice-Chancellor of KWASU, Prof Shaykh Luqman Jimoh, described cultural diversity as a powerful instrument for peace, dialogue, and social cohesion. He linked the significance of the celebration to the ideals of the United Nations World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development, stressing the university's commitment to fostering inclusiveness among students regardless of ethnic, religious, or cultural differences.
"Our diversity is our strength. KWASU will continue to promote programmes that bring people together and strengthen our shared humanity," he said.
The event showcased the richness of Nigeria's diverse cultural heritage through fashion, music, food, and intercultural engagement, further reinforcing the institution's reputation as a culturally inclusive university.
Cultural Parade and Guest Lecture
One of the highlights of the celebration was a colorful cultural parade by different ethnic groups on campus, including Yoruba, Hausa, and Igbo students, who thrilled the audience with traditional attire, dances, and displays of indigenous customs.
The guest lecture, Prof AbdulRasheed Adeoye of the University of Ilorin, underscored the importance of cultural diversity in promoting peaceful coexistence, national development, and global understanding.
Performances by Cultural Artistes
The atmosphere became more vibrant with performances by celebrated cultural chanters and entertainers who added glamour and artistic depth to the occasion. Among them was renowned Yoruba chant artiste and cultural revivalist, Remmy Chanter, popularly known as Remilekun Mariam Kasali-Adelabu, an alumna of KWASU recognized for promoting Yoruba cultural heritage through indigenous chants across the world. Other performers, including Boyalone and Mateen, also entertained guests with energetic performances rooted in African cultural expression.
Support from University Management
Convener and Coordinator of Student Leadership and Policy Engagement (SL&PE), Aliyu Uthman Abdulkadir, commended the university management, particularly the Vice-Chancellor, for supporting initiatives aimed at strengthening intercultural understanding and campus unity. Student bodies and cultural associations at the event also presented gifts and goodwill tokens to the Vice-Chancellor in appreciation of his support for cultural inclusion and student engagement.
Chairman of the Local Organising Committee (LOC), Habeeb Daranijo, described the celebration as historic and memorable, noting that its success reflected the collective spirit of the university community. He expressed appreciation to the Vice-Chancellor, invited guests, performers, and participants for contributing to what he described as "a beautiful day and one for the history books of KWASU." According to him, the event demonstrated the shared commitment of the university community to preserving cultural heritage while promoting peaceful coexistence beyond ethnic and linguistic divides.
The celebration ended on a high note with participants expressing renewed appreciation for cultural heritage and a stronger commitment to unity and mutual respect.
