By: Bashir Hassan Abubakar
The Vice Chancellor of Sa’adu Zungur University (SAZU), Bauchi, Professor Fatimah Tahir, has called on Nigerians to embrace peaceful coexistence, tolerance and mutual respect, describing the country’s cultural diversity as a powerful tool for strengthening national unity and integration.
Professor Tahir made the call at the Second Cultural Exhibition and Language Fair (SAZUCELF 2026), organised by the University’s Centre for Languages and Culture Studies.
She said the maiden edition of the festival held last year exposed the rich cultural and linguistic diversity within the university community and reinforced the belief that unity can thrive despite differences.
According to her, academic institutions must continue to promote cultural interaction to foster understanding, peace and respect among people of different backgrounds.
The Vice Chancellor directed the Centre to establish a unit for documenting the university’s cultural and linguistic heritage, including indigenous languages, traditional cuisines and artefacts, to preserve them for future generations. She also proposed the creation of a permanent cultural corner where artefacts representing the institution’s diverse ethnic groups would be displayed, while commending the Centre and the organising committee for sustaining the festival.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Local Organising Committee, Dr. Bala Abdullah Azare, described Nigeria’s cultural and linguistic diversity as invaluable national assets that strengthen unity and identity. He said the festival was designed to preserve indigenous languages and traditions, deepen cultural appreciation and encourage peaceful coexistence.
Seventeen cultural groups, alongside Sashen Hausa and Gamji Hausa language clubs, participated in the event, which featured language and cuisine exhibitions, cultural dances, traditional music, performances by pupils of the University Staff School, a guided exhibition tour and the investiture of Professor Tahir as the University’s “Culture Ambassador.”
