515 students from Africa celebrated Africa Day at INRTU

On May 23, 2025, INRTU celebrated Africa Day. The festival brought together vocalists, dancers, poets, and actors from Irkutsk universities. Students participated in a national costume contest, a fashion show, organized a quiz, and prepared dishes from various African cuisines.

May 25, 2025 marked 62 years since African countries declared independence from colonizers. Issues of justice for the continent's peoples, including reparations, were discussed at a debate platform in the university.

As noted by Stepan Bykov, Vice-Rector for International Affairs, INRTU celebrated Africa Day for the first time in 2022.

"Over the past six years, the number of INRTU students from southern countries has significantly increased—from 34 to 515. Every third international student comes from Africa. We are glad that the students share the rich culture and art of their peoples. They have adapted well to life in Irkutsk, becoming examples of hard work and courage," said Stepan Bykov, who spoke wearing a traditional African outfit.

Garba Ahmad Yakubu from Nigeria, head of the International Student Council, addressed the INRTU community and concert guests. He studies at the Institute of Aircraft Engineering and Transport, participates in creative and social projects, and practices karate.

"Africa Day is a reminder of the unity and resilience of our peoples, the journey from struggle and division to friendship and harmony. Over a billion people live on the continent, most of them young, eager to build a peaceful future. INRTU has become a second home for us. We are grateful to the university administration, professors, and students for their hospitality, support, and assistance. Thanks to the care of those around us, African students receive higher education, find friends, and fulfill their dreams," emphasized Garba Ahmad Yakubu.

The concert featured performances showcasing the cultures of Nigeria, Mozambique, Morocco, Cameroon, Egypt, Côte d'Ivoire, and Ghana. Indonesian students also performed as a creative gift for their African groupmates.

Around 200 people attended the African food festival. Students prepared national dishes under the guidance of the catering staff, serving guests jollof rice with spices, vegetable salad with egg, and zobo—a sweet-and-sour drink made from hibiscus, honey, and pineapple.