By Bashir Hassan Abubakar
Sa’adu Zungur University (SAZU) Bauchi marked a significant milestone with the successful hosting of its first-ever Cultural Festival and Exhibition, SAZUCEF 2025. The event, themed “Celebrating Cultural Diversity for Unity and Harmonious Co-existence,” brought together students from across Nigeria to showcase the country’s rich cultural heritage.
The festival, organized by the university’s Centre for Languages and Culture Studies, featured vibrant performances, traditional dances, indigenous cuisines, attire exhibitions, and cultural displays from over 17 ethnic groups, including Hausa, Fulani, Kanuri, Igbo, Yoruba, Shuwa Arab, Tiv, Idoma, Sayawa, and Jarawa.
In her opening remarks, SAZU Vice Chancellor, Professor Fatimah Tahir, expressed her joy and pride, describing the day as one of the most memorable in her tenure. She highlighted the festival’s role in uniting students from diverse ethnic backgrounds in a peaceful and celebratory atmosphere.
“The essence of this program is to better understand the people around us and learn to live together in peace while appreciating each other’s uniqueness,” Professor Tahir said, emphasizing the importance of cultural preservation for future generations. She encouraged making the festival an annual tradition, assuring continued institutional support.
The Emir of Katagum, His Royal Highness Dr. Umar Farouq II, represented by Engineer Magaji Dahuwa Abdulkadir, commended the university for promoting cultural awareness and unity. He urged the public and stakeholders to support SAZU’s cultural and academic pursuits.
The Director of the Centre for Languages and Culture, Dr. Ahmad Tanimu Jibril, noted that the festival aimed to foster mutual understanding among the university’s diverse student population. “We want students to appreciate one another’s cultures and develop deeper bonds,” he said.
The festival concluded with cultural dances and food tasting, with the Vice Chancellor actively participating and sampling local delicacies prepared by students. The inaugural SAZUCEF has demonstrated SAZU’s commitment to education and positioned it as a beacon of unity in a diverse nation.