Over 17 ethnic groups came together at Sa’adu Zungur University (SAZU) to display the vibrant tapestry of Nigerian culture during the institution’s first Cultural Festival and Exhibition, demonstrating how diversity can be a source of strength and unity.
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The inaugural SAZUCEF 2025, themed “Celebrating Cultural Diversity for Unity and Harmonious Co-existence,” transformed the university campus into a colourful celebration of Nigeria’s heritage, featuring traditional dances, indigenous cuisines, attire exhibitions, and cultural performances from communities including Hausa, Fulani, Kanuri, Igbo, Yoruba, Shuwa Arab, Tiv, Idoma, Sayawa, and Jarawa peoples.
Students from across Nigeria participated in the festival organised by the university’s Centre for Languages and Culture Studies, creating an atmosphere that Vice Chancellor Professor Fatimah Tahir described as uniquely memorable.
“Today is the most relaxing day in our lives at this university. Since I came to this university, I have never had a relaxed day as much as I’m having today,” she remarked during the event.
Professor Tahir noted that the festival served a deeper purpose beyond entertainment, focusing on mutual understanding and peaceful coexistence. “The essence of having such a programme is for us to better understand the people around us. It’s about learning to live together in peace while appreciating each other’s uniqueness,” she explained.
The vice chancellor strongly advocated for making the festival an annual tradition, noting its importance in cultural preservation. “This is not just about entertainment—it’s about preserving who we are as a people. I strongly encourage making this festival an annual tradition, rather than separate celebrations by individual ethnic groups.”
Royal endorsement came from the Emir of Katagum, His Royal Highness Dr. Umar Farouq II, who commended the university’s efforts to promote cultural awareness and unity. Represented by Engineer Magaji Dahuwa Abdulkadir, the Emir urged public and stakeholder support for the university’s cultural and academic initiatives.
Dr. Ahmad Tanimu Jibril, Director of the Centre for Languages and Culture, outlined the festival’s core objective of fostering understanding among SAZU’s diverse student population. “We want students to appreciate one another’s cultures and develop deeper bonds. SAZU is a cosmopolitan institution, and this festival reflects how far we’ve come,” he stated.
The celebration concluded with interactive cultural dances and food tasting sessions, where Professor Tahir actively participated, dancing with various ethnic groups and sampling traditional delicacies prepared by students, demonstrating the festival’s success in breaking down cultural barriers.
The institution committed to making the festival a permanent fixture in the university’s academic calendar.
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