By Suzan Edeh, Bauchi
Sa’adu Zungur University (SAZU) Vice Chancellor, Professor Fatimah Tahir, has urged Nigerians to embrace cultural diversity as a powerful tool for national integration, peaceful coexistence, and mutual respect.
She made the call during the second edition of the SAZU Cultural Exhibition and Language Fair (SAZUSELF 2026), an event organized by the university’s Centre for Languages and Culture Studies to celebrate the institution’s rich multi-ethnic heritage.
Reflecting on the success of the inaugural fair held last year, Professor Tahir noted that the initiative continues to uncover an impressive array of languages and traditions within the university community.
“About a year ago, we had a similar programme and it truly demonstrated that there is unity in diversity. We discovered different languages and cultures within the university that many of us never knew existed, and today we are privileged to witness another remarkable edition” She said.
Professor Tahir emphasized that academic institutions have a responsibility to host programs that encourage cultural interaction, as they build the tolerance necessary for societal harmony.
To ensure the sustainability of these cultural gains, the Vice Chancellor directed the Centre for Languages and Culture Studies to set up a dedicated heritage documentation unit.
“This unit will record and preserve the diverse languages, traditional cuisines, practices, and artifacts found within the institution” The Vice-Chancellor said.
Furthermore, she proposed creating a permanent cultural corner on campus to display artifacts from various ethnic groups.
Earlier in the event, the Chairman of the Local Organising Committee, Dr. Bala Abdullah Azare, described Nigeria’s diverse cultures as invaluable treasures that strengthen national identity.
He thanked the university management for its support, noting that the festival aims to protect indigenous languages while fostering a spirit of healthy competition and cooperation.
The 2026 festival featured vibrant participation from at least 17 cultural groups, alongside two prominent Hausa language clubs, Sashen Hausa and Gamji.
Event highlights included a guided exhibition tour led by the Vice Chancellor, indigenous cuisine tastings, and music and dance performances by the participating groups and pupils of the University Staff School.
The ceremony concluded with the official investiture of Professor Fatimah Tahir as the university’s “Culture Ambassador.”
