COMPETING AREA 1: CULTURAL DANCE PERFORMANCE
Theme: “Movement of Our Heritage”
This segment celebrates the rich cultural tapestry of Nigeria through dance and storytelling.
Objective: To perform a traditional dance from any Nigerian ethnic group.
Guidelines:
1. Performance must be a maximum of 5 minutes.
2. Teams must consist of between 5 and 15 students.
3. Authentic traditional attire is mandatory.
4. Before the performance, a 1-minute spoken introduction must explain the dance’s significance, history, and the story it tells.
Judging Criteria: Authenticity of movement, synchronization, energy, costume, and clarity of the narrative.

COMPETING AREA 2: COMMUNITY PROJECT CHALLENGE
Theme: “Skills in Service”
This is a pre-festival project where students identify a community need and use their skills to address it.
Objective: To demonstrate practical application of vocational skills for social good.
Guidelines:
1. Teams must identify a local need and execute a project to tackle it.
2. Projects must be documented with photos and/or a short video (max 3 minutes).
3. At the festival, teams will be assigned a booth to display their project documentation and results.
4. A team representative must be prepared to give a 2-minute summary of the project to judges.
Judging Criteria: Impact of the project, creativity of the solution, application of skills, and quality of presentation.

COMPETING AREA 3: CRAFT COMPETITION
Schools must select TWO of the following sub-categories to enter. All materials must be provided by the school.
Objective: To empower young artisans, celebrate cultural heritage, and highlight vocational skills as viable career and economic opportunities.
Guidelines:
• Core materials provided by competing schools.
• Judging based on creativity, skill, neatness, time, and relevance.
• No plagiarism or pre-finished items—disqualification applies.
• Safety, respect, and professionalism required.
• Judges’ decisions are final.

Category A: Henna (Lale) Art
• Task: Create a bridal henna design on a model’s hand and foot within 30 minutes.
Judging Focus: neatness, design complexity, creativity, speed, and cultural relevance.

Category B: Plaiting (Hair Braiding)
• Task: Create a fusion hairstyle (mix of traditional braids + modern styling).
Judging Focus: neatness, creativity, finishing, comfort of model, and durability.

Category C: Crochet
• Task: Create a decorative piece (small home décor, coaster set, or wall art).
Judging Focus: stitch consistency, creativity, finishing, and functionality.

Category D: Pottery
• Task: Mold a functional item (vase) within 90 minutes.
Judging Focus: shape balance, creativity, finishing, and usability.

Category E: Textiles (Weaving & Dyeing)
• Task: Weave a small, patterned mat or fabric strip using traditional techniques.
Judging Focus: color harmony, design originality, finishing, and cultural storytelling.

COMPETING AREA 4: Traditional Cuisine & Culinary Arts
Theme: “A Taste of Our Heritage”
This segment challenges students to research, prepare, and present a traditional dish, highlighting its cultural significance and nutritional value.
Objective: To prepare a complete traditional meal from any Nigerian ethnic group, focusing on authenticity, presentation, and storytelling.
Guidelines:
1. Teams must prepare one main dish and one accompanying side or beverage live at a designated cooking station.
2. All ingredients and cooking equipment must be provided by the team. A standard heat source will be provided.
3. The presentation must include a visually appealing plating sample for the judges.
4. A team representative must provide a 2-minute explanation to the judges covering:
– The name and ethnic origin of the dishes.
– The historical or cultural significance of the meal (e.g., when it is traditionally eaten).
– The nutritional benefits of the key ingredients.
Judging Criteria: Authenticity of taste and recipe, knowledge and storytelling, hygiene and safety practices, creativity in presentation, and nutritional awareness.

COMPETING AREA 5: Cultural Ambassador Pageant
Theme: “Beauty in Knowledge and Heritage”
This is not a conventional beauty pageant. It is a competition to find the most knowledgeable, articulate, and graceful cultural ambassador. It focuses on intellect, talent, and poise.
Objective: For individual contestants to demonstrate a deep understanding of their culture, exceptional communication skills, and a talent that celebrates heritage.
Guidelines:
1. Each school may enter one contestant (male and female).
2. The competition consists of three scored segments:
a) Traditional Attire & Introduction: Contestants introduce themselves in a native language (with English translation) and explain the significance of their chosen traditional attire. (30%)
b) Talent Presentation: Contestants perform a 3-minute talent that is deeply rooted in Nigerian culture. This could be storytelling, poetry recital in a native language, a traditional musical instrument performance, or a demonstration of a craft skill. (40%)
c) Impromptu Q&A: Contestants answer a question on a topic related to cultural preservation, national unity, or the role of youth in promoting Nigerian heritage. (30%)
Judging Criteria: Depth of cultural knowledge, eloquence and confidence, authenticity and skill in talent presentation, grace and poise, and overall intellectual impression.

General Rules & Registration
1. Each school can enter only one team per core competing area.
2. A student may not participate in more than two teams.
3. Registration Deadline: 5th of October 2025
4. Submit Entries To: www.vocationalfestival.com
5. All teams must be accompanied by a teacher mentor.
6. Number of students that each school will bring to the competition is not more than 20 students and two teachers.

For further inquiries, please contact: Mrs Mariam, Ms Hajara, Ms Ufuoma.