Nigerian Night at the Eastern Mediterranean University

The diversity of Eastern Mediterranean University cannot be emphasized enough, with over 20,000 students within its campus walls, a vast majority of which as are international students from 106 different countries, including  Europe, Asia and Africa and countries such as Chad, India, Iran, Egypt, Congo, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Nigeria and so many more.  EMU realise the importance of a student’s settling down in their new homes for the foreseeable future, and in an attempt to help make their education feel like they are at a ‘home away from home’ student societies play an active role with the support of EMU, to ensure that they achieve just that. Not only do they serve as the voice of their fellow countrymen, but with the hard work of the presidents and vice presidents, and the team at the International Office, events are organised throughout the year to help in celebrating important dates for our students of any background, such as religious festivals and Independence Days, as well as service projects, thus allowing students the opportunity to come together in unity and make them feel more at home.

Eastern Mediterranean University gives these students societies a platform to plan and organize events that contribute to school spirit and community welfare and also brings students together to showcase their beautiful and unique cultural heritage. One of such activities is the Nigerian night, which was organized by the Nigerian Students Society (NSS). The event which was held on the 14^th of December 2018 at 8pm had a remarkable turn-out of students at the Rauf Raif Denktas culture and congress center, all eager to experience the beautiful display of the Nigerian cultural heritage. The event featured a red carpet where students were given the opportunity to showcase their Nigerian cultural attire.

The event later started with an opening prayer, the Nigerian national anthem and a welcoming address by the vice rector of International affairs and promotions Prof. Dr. Cem Tanova and the outgoing NSS president Ibrahim Saghir. There was also a speech by the keynote speaker Dr. Joseph Mbachu Lacus a registrar in Taraba State University who was invited and joined the night all the way from Nigeria, to grace the occasion. The event also featured a video presentation of the uniqueness of Nigeria and various musical performances by different talented student artists. Awards of recognition, honour and lifetime achievement were presented to various Nigerian students including medals for winners of the Nigerian Students Society (NSS) tournament who have worked hard to achieve them. There was also a drama presentation and a traditional fashion show to showcase the various styles and attires of the beautiful Nigerian cultural heritage. Raffle draws was also organised and gifts were given to the lucky winners.

The event ended with the cutting of the Nigerian cake and refreshments which was naturally Nigerian food, such as the delectable and traditional Jollof rice. It was indeed a fun filled and special event for the Nigerian students to remind them of the unity and love of meeting together as one nation outside their country, until next time…

By Faith Iwinosa Edigin