By Hassan Ibrahim
Students of Mewar International University (MIU) Masaka, Nasarawa State on Tuesday showcased Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage through an impressive exhibition of traditional foods, highlighting the role of culture in promoting unity and national identity.
The event, which attracted members of the university management, lecturers, and students, featured a wide variety of indigenous dishes representing Nigeria’s diverse ethnic groups.
The colourful display offered guests numerous choices, as each stand reflected the uniqueness of different cultures across the country.
Speaking during the university’s Cultural Food Presentation, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academics), Professor Olabode Agunbiade, who represented the Vice-Chancellor, described food as a central element of cultural identity.
“The students, as the Vice-Chancellor asked me to convey, should understand that food is a very important part of culture,” he said.
He described the exhibition as commendable and timely, emphasizing that culture remains a strong bond that unites societies, with food serving as one of its most vital expressions.
“Culture binds societies together, and food is a very vital part of culture. What we have witnessed today reflects who we are as Nigerians. Though we have many ethnic groups and different food types, we all coexist as one nation,” he said.
Professor Agunbiade further encouraged students to remain proud of their cultural backgrounds, warning against the total adoption of foreign cultures at the expense of indigenous values.
“Anyone who loses their culture loses everything. Students must hold firmly to their heritage so that foreign cultures do not take over what defines us,” he added.
Also speaking to journalists, the Dean and Director of the Open and Distance Learning Postgraduate School, Professor Kumar, described the event as impressive and educative.
According to him, the exhibition provided an opportunity to showcase Nigeria’s diversity not only through cuisine but also through dressing and lifestyle. He stressed that traditional foods play a crucial role in promoting good health and preserving cultural identity.
Professor Kumar also advised parents to encourage both male and female children to learn traditional cooking skills, noting that cultural education should not be limited by gender.
Students who participated in the Cultural Food Presentation described the event as exciting and unifying.
Muhammad Abubakar Sa’ad, a 200-level Computer Science student who represented the Fulani tribe, said he was pleased to see students from different backgrounds coming together to display their cultures, noting that the event depicted peaceful coexistence within the university.
“I am happy with how the different tribes displayed their cultural foods, and I hope my tribe, Fulani, comes first,” he said. “At MIU, students from different Nigerian tribes live peacefully and respect one another.”
Similarly, Rejoice Akogun, a 400-level Public Administration student from Kogi State who represented the Igala tribe, said the public display of traditional meals was important for passing cultural knowledge to younger generations.
“We prepared our cultural foods openly so that the younger ones can see, learn, and understand our heritage,” she said.
The exhibition was part of activities marking the ongoing Cultural Week at Mewar International University.
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