NASELS ABU celebrates vibrant African culture, unity at NABAFEST 2025 (Pictures)
Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) Zaria became a hub of Pan-African pride during the second edition of the NASELS Black Art Festival (NABAFEST’25) that took place from April 9 to April 11, 2025.
Attracting over 500 students, artists, and scholars, the festival was organised by the National Association of Students of English and Literary Studies Ahmadu Bello University Chapter (NASELS ABU), in collaboration with the Association of Fine Arts Students Ahmadu Bello University Chapter (AFAS ABU).
With a theme: “The Black Identity of the 21st Century: Redefining, Retelling, and Reclaiming,” NABAFEST left a lasting impact on ABU’s cultural scene.
The festival kicked off with its main event at Yusuf Bala Usman Hall, setting the stage for three days of celebration.
Following the opening, a captivating art exhibition, curated by Silas Jimmy, AFAS ABU’s Director for Exhibition, took place at Kashim Ibrahim Library and ran for the duration of the festival.
The exhibition showcased African-inspired visual works celebrating Black heritage. Salihu Muhammed Sani, the 53rd Emeritus NASELS ABU President, inaugurated the exhibition and, through his firm Askar Multipurpose Services, sponsored certificates for 200 participants.
Cultural performances by NASELS E-HOUSE, Supreme Kegite Club ABU Zaria, and the National Association of Arts Students ABU Zaria enthralled the audience with music, dance, and drama rooted in African traditions.
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In his keynote address, Dr. Lawal Mohammed Tafida, Head of the Department of Political Science and International Studies, urged students to preserve African languages, attire, and cuisines while embracing global influences.
The festival was chaired by Professor Edward O. Abba, who was honoured with a Lifetime Excellence Award for his contributions to Black culture at ABU. It also featured a lively panel moderated by Mr Dominic James Aboi, with student leaders from ENACTUS ABU and ABU’s Creative Writers’ Club exploring Black identity’s role in shaping the university’s future.
Distinguished 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.
Others are 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 the 55th NASELS ABU President and lead curator for NABAFEST’25, Amuda Abbas Oluwadamilola, among others.
In his closing remarks, President Amuda Abbas Oluwadamilola expressed gratitude to participants, performers, and the NABAFEST 2025 organising committee, while honouring his predecessor, Solomon Tengu Micah, for pioneering the festival.
NABAFEST 2025 has solidified ABU Zaria’s status as a centre for Pan-African unity and cultural pride, fostering creativity and dialogue. With plans to expand, the festival promises to further enrich ABU’s legacy.
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