Mudiame University Holds 2026 Student Week Cultural Day, Esan Group Wins Top Prize

IRRUA, Edo State – Students of Mudiame University, Irrua, gathered to celebrate the institution’s 2026 Student Week Cultural Day, bringing together different cultures through music, dance, food and traditional displays.

The event, with the theme “Unity in Diversity: Celebrating Our Rich Cultural Heritage,” attracted students, lecturers, members of the university management and invited guests from the palace, including High Chief Olu Aire, High Chief Umane and Prince Eromosele Ogbeide.

Activities began with the arrival of guests, an opening prayer, the National Anthem and the University Anthem. This was followed by the recognition of guests, remarks by the Vice-Chancellor, the Dean of Students’ Affairs and the Special Guest of Honour.

Students represented four cultural groups : Esan, Benin (Bini), Igbo and Yoruba with presentations that reflected the traditions, food, dressing, music and way of life of their people.

The Esan group presented the history of the Esan people alongside traditional meals, drama and cultural dances. The Benin group showcased the customs and traditions of the Benin Kingdom through dance, food and cultural displays. The Igbo group presented traditional dishes, dance performances and cultural displays, while the Yoruba group featured traditional greetings, local cuisine, cultural dances and the recitation of Oríkì, the Yoruba praise poetry.

Other activities included a cultural fashion parade, spoken word performances, comedy presentations and opportunities for students to interact with one another.

The cultural groups were judged on creativity, presentation, organisation, cultural content and compliance with the competition guidelines.

At the end of the competition, the Esan Cultural Group was announced as the overall winner after receiving the highest score from the judges.

Vice-Chancellor of Mudiame University, Prof. Emmanuel Aluyor, congratulated the winning team and rewarded members of the Esan Cultural Group with gifts in recognition of their performance and effort.

The programme ended with a vote of thanks, closing prayer and group photographs.

The annual Cultural Day forms part of the university’s Student Week activities and gives students the opportunity to share their cultures while learning about those of others.