Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) Zaria transformed into a vibrant epicenter of Pan-African culture during the second edition of the NASELS Black Art Festival (NABAFEST’25) in April.
The university’s National Association of Students of English and Literary Studies (NASELS) collaborated with the Association of Fine Arts Students (AFAS) on the festival that drew over 500 students, artists, and scholars on the theme, “The 21st Century and Global Black Identity: Redefining, Retelling, and Reclaiming.”
The festival launched with an art exhibition at Kashim Ibrahim Library, curated by Silas Jimmy, AFAS ABU’s Director for Exhibition, which ran throughout the event. Showcasing powerful visual tributes to Black heritage, the exhibition was opened by Salihu Muhammed Sani, the 53rd Emeritus NASELS ABU President, who, through his firm Askar Multipurpose Services, sponsored certificates for 200 participants.
Cultural performances electrified audiences, with NASELS E-HOUSE, Supreme Kegite Club ABU Zaria, and the National Association of Arts Students ABU Zaria delivering music, dance, and drama steeped in African traditions. Dr. Lawal Mohammed Tafida, Head of the Department of Political Science and International Studies, gave a compelling keynote address, urging students to preserve African languages, attire, and cuisines while engaging with global influences.
Professor Edward O. Abba from the Department of English and Literary Studies chaired the festival and was honored with a Lifetime Excellence Award for his contributions to Black culture at ABU. A dynamic panel discussion, moderated by Mr. Dominic James Aboi, featured student leaders from ENACTUS ABU and ABU’s Creative Writer’s Club, who discussed about decolonizing Black Culture in the 21st century.
Notable attendees included Professor Adele Garkida, former Fulbright Alumni President; Dr. Nadir Nasidi, representing ABU’s Deputy Vice Chancellor; Professor Jerry Buhari from the Department of Fine Arts; Dr. Isah Ibrahim, Head of the Department of English and Literary Studies; Professor Sule Muhammad, Dean of the Faculty of Arts; ABU SRC President Ibrahim Nazeer Kallah; NASELS North West Regional Director Mohammed Zainab Ummi; NASELS Nigeria Information Director Olasunkanmi AbdulLateef Alabi; NASELS ABU 55th Vice President AbdulWaasi Famakin; National Association of Arts President Agabayinta Victor; and Amuda Abbas Oluwadamilola, the 55th NASELS ABU President and NABAFEST’25 lead curator.
In his closing remarks, President Amuda Abbas Oluwadamilola expressed gratitude to participants, performers, and the NABAFEST’25 organizing committee, while acknowledging Solomon Tengu Micah for curating the first edition. NABAFEST’25 solidified ABU Zaria’s reputation as a hub of Pan-African unity and creativity, with plans to expand its impact in future editions.
