Kunle Adelabu
Students of Graceskies Schools in Yoruba outfits during the school’s cultural day.
Pupils and students of the Graceskies Schools, Elepe Estate, Gbasemo – Aga, Ikorodu, Lagos State, Southwest, Nigeria, on Friday exhibited the beauty of the country’s diversity as the school celebrated its Cultural Day.
Instead of the usual school uniforms, the management of the school allowed their students to wear their native attires which came in different colours and styles.
They appeared in school as Ijebus, Oyos, Lagosians, Igbos, Fulanis, Nupes, Ijaws, Itsekiris, Igalas, Warris among other nationalities and ethnic groups in the country.
Students in Fulani attires
According to the directive of the school, students also ate their indigenous delicacies which they brought from their respective homes.
During the observation which is full day celebrations, students interacted amongst themselves to reflect the beauty of the different cultures in the country.
There were music, dance and photograph sessions as well as side attractions which would make the memories of the event linger in the minds of the students for a long time.
Igbo students at the cultural day.
While stating that their pupils and students enjoyed the celebrations, Mrs Bola Ogunniyi, the school head, also explained that the idea is borne out of the need to develop students’ social abilities and expose them to other cultures.
“They loved it, they were happy. Education is not all about classroom alone, it also entails the social aspect”, she said.
“They get to learn about other ethnic groups different from theirs. They saw the cultural differences amongst the ethnic groups. The beauty in Nigeria culture”.
Students of another ethnic group displaying Dutch the celebrations
Speaking further, the educationist stated that Graceskies Schools is using the medium to preach unity and instill patriotism in their students.
“To appreciate all ethnic groups. To preach unity in cultural diversity. To learn about the customs and tradition of each ethnic group. To promote patriotism and instill in learners the love for their country”, Mrs Ogunniyi said.
