Nigeria’s High Commission’s Minister of Education, Welfare and Student Affairs paid a visit to Limkokwing Kuching recently in conjunction with the Nigerian Independence Day celebrations organized by the students. Al Hani Mohamad Arzika was given a rousing welcome by Limkokwing’s very own Borneo Beats, a percussion group drumming up a fusion of beats using the traditional Kompang, the African djembe’ and Chinese drums. He was also taken on an exclusive tour of the gallery and addressed students and staff of the college. 

On hand to greet the guest-of-honour were, Limkokwing’s Vice President of Network Development Dato’ Nazaruddin bin Abdul Jalil, Adjunct Professor Puan Hanifah Hajar Taib Alsree and Assistant Director of Corporate Development, Nikki Lugun.

Limkokwing students had combined forces to celebrate Nigeria’s 49th Independence Day, and the event saw all Nigerian students as well as Malaysian and international students from fifteen different countries participating in the various activities organized by the Institute and members of the African Student’s Council.

In his speech, the Minister complemented Limkokwing and expressed his gratitude on the efforts made by the management, staff and students towards holding the celebrations. “Limkokwing truly represents a global university with its concept, expansion and globalisation,” he said. “I would like to say thank you to Limkokwing for honouring our Independence Day and teaming up with Nigerian students, with your spirit of togetherness.”

Vice President of Network Development, Dato’ Nazaruddin bin Abdul Jalil, also commented on the support put forth by every member of the staff and student body in order to ensure that the event was a success. “I am proud to announce that for the first time in the history of LICT, we are celebrating the independence day of Nigeria together with our Nigerian community here,” he added.

“It is amazing to see how every member of the LICT family is so united with each other to commemorate the celebration of such an important day. This shows us all that regardless of race, religion and nationality, we can still stand strongly with one another as long as there is tolerance and harmony with one another”, he further added.

Nigerian student representative, Derrick Ohiegbomwan also expressed his gratitude to the efforts put in by everyone involved, saying that by joining Limkokwing, all Nigerian students have received much more than what they expected and that it was an honor for them to be given such appreciation.

“It is a great honour for me to be able to stand here with everyone on this day to commemorate Nigeria’s 49th Independence Day celebration. This day will be one of the many days that we, the students from Nigeria will treasure and remember fondly”, he said.

The event kicked off with the cutting of the celebratory cake and a lively display of cultural performances which included a mind blowing poetry reading called ‘Africa My Africa’ recited by Toby Micheal Olumuyiwa, a colourful fashion show highlighting the different costumes from the different tribes in Nigeria and a drama presentation depicting the trials and tribulations faced by a Nigerian student studying in Malaysia for the first time. The Limkokwing choir also lifted the spirits of everyone present vocally through their rendition of the Limkokwing theme song ‘Wings to Fly’ and a Nigerian song entitled ‘I believe in Nigeria’.

Limkokwing’s African students also organized various activities as part of the Independence Day celebrations such as doing community work at the Sarawak Children’s Cancer Society and a barbeque party held at Wings Coffee, which was organized to introduce native African cuisine and to share the celebratory cheer with everyone.

With more than 30,000 students from 150 countries studying in 12 campuses across 3 continents, Limkokwing University encourages all its students to participate in various activities and showcase their creativity. Providing exceptional education to empower a new generation, the university embodies a truly international spirit which was clearly evident during this event.