The Distance Learning Institute (DLI), University of Lagos, transformed into a vibrant cultural village on Saturday, July 26, 2025, as students, staff, and special guests gathered for the Trade Fair and Cultural Day 3.0, an annual event hosted by the DLI Students’ Association (DLISA) to celebrate Nigeria’s rich diversity and entrepreneurial spirit.
Cultural Day: A Celebration of Unity in Diversity
With the theme: Celebrating Diversity and Talent , the event proved to be a veritable platform for entertainment, connection, and empowerment. The event officially kicked off with an opening address by the Director of the Institute, Professor Risikat Dauda, who captured the essence of the day in her stirring remarks.
“This is a day of unity. Unity brings about progress and prosperity, and this is where it starts from. It’s a day we have set aside to learn from each other, connect and network for the uplifting of our country.”
From that moment, the day unfolded like a festival of colours, sounds, tastes, and ideas. Guests were treated to a stunning array of departmental cultural presentations, where students represented Nigeria’s major ethnic groups through music, dance, and traditional attire. The academic departments showcased cultures such as Igbo (Economics), Yoruba (Public Administration), Hausa (Education), Benin (Accounting), Niger-Delta (Business Administration), and Benue (Finance) in compelling performances that reflected the true beauty of unity in diversity.
The Talent Show segment uncovered hidden gems among the students: rappers, singers, and spoken word artists who captivated the crowd with passion and precision. With every act, laughter, applause, and cheers rippled through the audience.
Trade Fair: A Bustling Hive of Enterprise
The Trade Fair was a bustling hive of enterprise. Stalls brimmed with handmade crafts, fashion items, food, art, and beauty products, all curated by student-entrepreneurs and invited vendors. Executives of DLISA played host to the management team of the Institute, conducting them on a tour of the exhibition stands. The walkabout was an opportunity to showcase the creativity and industriousness of the student body, as well as foster interaction between learners and leaders.
“We are not just students; we are culture bearers, creators, and change makers,” said a proud DLISA executive during the tour.
Trade Fair and Cultural Day 3.0
DLISA Trade Fair and Cultural Day 3.0 also featured a Match-Making Session , designed to connect participants with potential business mentors, and professional opportunities, proving once again that learning outside the classroom can be just as impactful.
The climax of the day was the announcement of the Department of Economics, with their representation of the Igbo culture, as winners of the cultural performance, thus going home with a ₦50,000 cash prize. It was thrilling close to a day brimming with pride and pageantry.
Trade Fair and Cultural Day 3.0 at the Distance Learning Institute, UNILAG was more than an event. It was a declaration that learning, unity, and creativity can co-exist and even thrive, when powered by purpose
Report: Isaiah Kumuyi
Photography: Islamiat Akanni & Ronke Odumade
