Taraba State University Students Showcase Cultural Heritage Through Exhibition

Students of Taraba State University have showcased Africa’s rich cultural heritage through a colourful exhibition featuring traditional cuisine, drama, and cultural dance performances from various ethnic groups across Taraba State.

The event, which attracted students, lecturers, and invited guests, highlighted the state’s cultural diversity through displays of indigenous foods, theatrical performances, and traditional dances.

Speaking during the exhibition, the Head of Department, Henry Yenda, said the programme was designed to revive Africa’s fading traditions and cultural values.

He noted that many indigenous practices have gradually disappeared over time, stressing the need to preserve them for future generations.

According to him, the initiative serves as a platform to reconnect students with Africa’s cultural identity and promote appreciation for traditional knowledge systems.

Also speaking, the course lecturer, Auwal Chul, explained that the exhibition was organised under the course Indigenous Knowledge Systems.

He said the initiative was introduced following concerns raised by the National Universities Commission over the gradual disappearance of African traditions and indigenous practices.

Dr. Chul noted that important aspects of African life such as traditional cuisine, indigenous dressing, herbal medicine, and orthopaedic practices are no longer widely practiced.

He added that these areas have now been reintroduced into the academic curriculum through the Core Curriculum Minimum Academic Standards to ensure students gain both theoretical and practical understanding.

According to him, the exhibition provides students with the opportunity to practically demonstrate what they have learned in class, with various groups presenting different aspects of indigenous knowledge including traditional healing methods and cultural practices.

One of the participants, Bariabu Julius Gubairo, who represented the African Traditional Dancers Group, said the team performed dances from ethnic groups including Mumuye, Jukun, Hausa, Mambila, Fulani, and Tiv.

He explained that the exhibition was aimed at reviving indigenous knowledge and preserving Africa’s cultural identity in the face of rapid modernisation.

The event ended with commendations from attendees, who described the exhibition as a significant step towards preserving Taraba State’s cultural heritage and promoting indigenous knowledge among younger generations.