OAU MARKS CULTURAL DAY IN CELEBRATION OF 65TH ANNIVERSARY

OAU MARKS CULTURAL DAY IN CELEBRATION OF 65TH ANNIVERSARY 

By Esther Oladapo and Ajanaku Daniel 

Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, today, June 4, 2026, hosted its Cultural Day celebration, one of the key events marking the institution's 65th anniversary.

The event began with a vibrant cultural parade across the campus as students, staff, and invited guests proudly showcased different traditional attires representing Nigeria's diverse cultural heritage. The colourful procession attracted cheers and admiration from spectators before making its way to the Motion Ground, where the main celebration was held.

Welcoming participants, the University's Public Relations Officer acknowledged members of the university management, staff, students, and invited guests. The atmosphere became even more lively with the arrival of the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Simeon Bamire, and other principal officers, who joined the celebration dressed in cultural attires. 

In his address, the Vice-Chancellor expressed appreciation to everyone who came out to celebrate OAU's 65th anniversary. He emphasized the importance of culture, describing it as a vital part of people's identity and a tool for promoting unity among diverse groups.

"Culture is our identity and it helps bring us together," he said.

Professor Bamire also highlighted the university's tree-planting initiative, explaining that it was introduced to improve the beauty and environmental sustainability of the campus. 

The programme featured a variety of performances from students of the Faculty of Arts. Students from the Department of Foreign Languages entertained the audience with presentations celebrating different languages and cultures.

One of the highlights of their performance was a rendition of the OAU Anthem in French, which drew applause from the audience.

Students from Linguistics and African Languages also thrilled guests with a cultural display that began with traditional Yoruba chants and ended with an energetic dance performance.

Other presentations showcased different aspects of Nigerian culture through music, dance, and drama. The audience particularly enjoyed the fusion of Yoruba and Igbo cultural performances, which reflected the spirit of unity in diversity.

Adding to the excitement of the event, Dr. Adijat Faleye of the Department of Linguistics and African Languages, alongside her dance crew, performed a ballad that narrated the history and origin of Obafemi Awolowo University.

The Vice Chancellor, Professor Bamire appreciated participants, performers, and spectators for contributing to the success of the celebration. 

He reiterated the university's commitment to preserving and promoting cultural heritage and expressed hope that the Cultural Day celebration would continue as an annual tradition.

The event served as a colourful reminder of the role culture plays in shaping identity, fostering unity, and preserving tradition as OAU continues its journey of excellence at 65.

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