LANDMARK UNIVERSITY CELEBRATING CULTURAL HERITAGE
- Post by: bankole
- November 6, 2024
- No Comment
Landmark University is committed to providing students with enriching experiences that foster their sense of culture, history and heritage. As part of its commitment to the sustenance of African heritage, the university organizes annual excursions for students to visit significant cultural landmarks, natural heritage landscapes and monuments in Nigeria, among others. These visits, which include destinations like Idanre Hills, Owu Falls, and Olumirin Waterfalls, provide students with access to sites that are culturally significant and showcase Nigeria’s diverse natural and historical heritage.
For instance, Landmark University students were taken on a tour of the Idanre Hills, a UNESCO World Heritage site located in Ondo State, about 190kn from the school campus. Known for its stunning landscape, rich history, and spiritual significance, the hills offered students the chance to experience ancient architecture and understand the role that Idanre played in pre-colonial Nigerian society. The hills have unique rock formations, traditional shrines, and the palace of the ancient kings of Idanre, providing students a window into Nigeria’s indigenous cultures and their reverence for the natural environment. By visiting such a site, students gained an appreciation for historical preservation and the importance of safeguarding natural heritage. Through guided tours, they learnt about the historical stories, customs, and lifestyles of the people of Idanre, encouraging a deep connection to Nigerian heritage.
Similarly, Owu Falls, the highest waterfall in West Africa, located in Kwara State, offered Landmark University students a chance to explore the wonders of natural landscapes. The waterfall stands as a majestic symbol of the power and beauty of Nigeria’s natural resources. Visits to Owu Falls exposed our students to the ecological diversity and the significance of water bodies in the traditional Nigerian context. These trips also incorporate environmental education, as students learn about the flora and fauna surrounding the waterfall and the critical need for conservation efforts to protect such landscapes.
Olumirin Waterfalls, located in Erin-Ijesha, Osun State, offered another unique experience for Landmark University students. Known for its multi-step cascade, Olumirin Waterfalls is a sacred site for the local Yoruba people, often associated with folklore and spiritual beliefs. Visiting this site enables students to understand the intertwining of cultural beliefs with natural landscapes and offers insight into traditional Nigerian religion and cosmology. Through local guides and custodians of the site, students hear oral histories and legends associated with the falls, learning to appreciate the role of storytelling in preserving cultural identity.
These annual visits serve a dual purpose for Landmark University. Firstly, they allow students to connect with their roots, and Nigeria’s diverse cultural heritage, fostering a sense of national pride and cultural understanding. Secondly, they serve as a form of educational outreach to promote awareness of Nigeria’s need for preservation of cultural landmarks. By facilitating these visits, Landmark University encourages students to act as advocates for cultural heritage preservation, equipping them with knowledge and experiences they can share with others.
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With warm regards