A fresh call to embrace indigenous fashion and identity has been made at the University of Ilorin. Professor Olutoyin Raymond Ogunade, Director of the Centre for Cultural Studies and Creative Arts, has proposed that every Monday be designated as Cultural Attire Day across the university.
He made the suggestion during the grand finale of the university’s Cultural Day celebration, themed, Celebrating the Beauty of Our Cultural Diversity. The event brought together students, staff, and guests in a colourful display of traditional music, dance, attire, and performances.
Professor Ogunade encouraged members of the university community to go beyond viewing cultural wear as mere costumes. He urged them to see it as a form of cultural awareness and resistance to Western norms, saying cultural dressing is a way of declaring identity and remembering one’s heritage.
“It is not just fashion,” he said, “It’s ancestral memory etched into form. We must resist the residual Western dictates that still tell us how to dress.”
To make this vision practical, he recommended the launch of a *Cultural Wear Initiative* through the Centre. The initiative would involve partnerships with local designers, alumni, and sponsors to make traditional outfits affordable and accessible on campus.
The celebration also featured a standout performance by Professor Wole Alade, a renowned cultural scholar and former Director of MUSON Centre, who represented Nobel Laureate Professor Wole Soyinka. Alade’s musical rendition received thunderous applause and marked the peak of the day’s events.
In his address, Professor Ogunade applauded the university leadership for institutionalising the Cultural Day and supporting the creation of the Centre. Quoting Soyinka, he said, *“A tiger does not proclaim its tigritude. It pounces.”* He also cited works by African scholars like Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o and Oyèrónkẹ́ Oyěwùmí to highlight the importance of preserving indigenous knowledge in academia.
Earlier, the Vice Chancellor, Professor Wahab Egbewole SAN, represented by Professor Adegboyega Fawole, praised the university community for coming together to celebrate Nigeria’s cultural richness. He emphasised that diversity is a source of strength and identity.
“We have various types of music, literature, cuisines, festivals, and attire that reflect our beliefs and heritage. These are what make us one,” he noted.
The event was attended by dignitaries, including Emeritus Professor Olu Obafemi, members of the university’s governing council, deans, students, and representatives of traditional institutions.
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