The Mini Convocation Arena of Kwara State University (KWASU), Malete, came alive with colours, music and cultural expressions on Thursday as the institution marked the 2026 World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development in a grand celebration of unity and heritage.
The event, themed “Different Roots, One Campus,” drew students, academics, cultural enthusiasts and dignitaries from within and outside the university community.
Hosted by the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Shaykh Luqman Jimoh, the celebration showcased the richness of diverse cultures through music, fashion, food and intercultural dialogue, reinforcing KWASU’s reputation as a culturally inclusive institution.
The occasion featured a captivating cultural parade by various ethnic groups on campus, including Yoruba, Hausa and Igbo students, who proudly displayed their traditional attire, dances and customs in a vibrant procession that drew cheers from the audience.
The Guest Lecturer, Prof. AbdulRasheed Abiodun Adeoye of the University of Ilorin, delivered an engaging lecture highlighting the significance of cultural diversity in fostering peaceful coexistence, national development and global understanding.
The atmosphere became more electrifying as celebrated chanters and performers thrilled attendees with world-class performances. Among them was renowned cultural revivalist and Yoruba chant artiste RemmyChanter, whose real name is Remilekun Mariam Kasali-Adelabu, an alumna of KWASU known for promoting Yoruba cultural heritage through indigenous chants and performances across the world.
Alongside RemmyChanter, performers Boyalone and Mateen entertained guests with energetic and culturally rich performances that added glamour and artistic depth to the celebration.
Speaking at the event, the Convener and Coordinator of Student Leadership and Policy Engagement (SL&PE), Aliyu Uthman Abdulkadir, expressed profound appreciation to the university management, particularly the Vice-Chancellor, for supporting an initiative designed to deepen intercultural understanding and strengthen campus unity.
In his remarks, Vice-Chancellor Prof. Shaykh Luqman Jimoh linked the celebration to the ideals of the United Nations World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development, emphasizing that cultural diversity remains a powerful tool for peace, dialogue and social cohesion.
He reaffirmed the university administration’s commitment to sustaining initiatives that unite students irrespective of ethnic, religious or cultural backgrounds.
“Our diversity is our strength. KWASU will continue to promote programmes that bring people together and strengthen our shared humanity,” the Vice-Chancellor said.
The event also witnessed presentations of gifts and goodwill tokens to the Vice-Chancellor by various student and cultural associations in appreciation of his leadership and support for cultural inclusion on campus.
Chairman of the Local Organising Committee (LOC), Habeeb Daranijo, described the celebration as historic and memorable.
He thanked the Vice-Chancellor, the convener, invited guests, performers and all participants for contributing to what he called “a beautiful day and one for the history books of KWASU.”
Daranijo noted that the success of the event reflected the collective spirit of the university community and the shared desire to preserve culture while promoting peaceful coexistence.
The 2026 World Day for Cultural Diversity celebration at KWASU ended on a high note, leaving participants with renewed appreciation for cultural heritage and a stronger commitment to unity beyond ethnic and linguistic divides.
