Team Nigeria emerged as the winner of the annual University of Lagos (UNILAG) Afro-Caribbean festival.

The 20+1 edition of the annual carnival was held on July 30 and was themed “Humanity in the Age of AI.”

Students celebrated the essence of cultural heritage in a world increasingly driven by new technologies, signifying humanity’s responsibility in utilising these advancements.

Team Nigeria was announced as the carnival’s overall winner in music, dance, theatre, and cultural displays, scoring 259 points at the cultural event.

The Bahamas finished behind Nigeria, taking first place in the road march display and second overall with 254 points. Team Brazil claimed the third position with 249 points.

Other participating teams included Haiti, Jamaica, and Trinidad & Tobago.

The competition results were determined by a panel of judges who assessed participants’ discipline, punctuality, and knowledge of the country’s history and culture.

Professor Osita Ezenwambe, the head of the Department of Creative Arts, acknowledged the commitment of all participating teams and noted that the annual ceremony remains a crucial component to help students apply their knowledge in creative arts and engagement.

Professor Folasade Ogunsola, UNILAG’s vice-chancellor, said that the cultural festival serves as a means to produce graduates who combine their academic excellence with creativity, cultural awareness, and innovation.

Ms Ogunsola added that artificial intelligence should be used to transform society in several areas of life.

The Afro-Caribbean carnival was established by Dr Cornelius Onyeka Ibeabuchi in 2005 as an initiative to celebrate both African and Caribbean heritage through music, dances, and cultural displays, while encouraging creativity and innovation for students.