Abstract
Between the internal and external environments of a higher education institution (HEI), various acts of engagements or interactions occur involving non-indigene students and members of the host community including market women, landlords/landladies, commercial motor-cyclists, artisans, food vendors etc. As a tertiary institution, students are drawn across various cultural and linguistic divides in Nigeria. There is bound to ensure conflict of interests bordering on communication connectivity with Tiv being the major and most widely spoken language of communication albeit having English Language as lingua franca. Tiv are the fourth largest ethnic group in Nigeria, domiciled in the middle-belt, nay north-central geo- political zone. Wannune, a town that is the administrative headquarters of Tarka Local Government Council is the host community of the Federal Polytechnic Wannune (FPW). Therefore, the challenge of language hampers seamless communication and collaboration between the parties. This paper explores the impact of cultural immersion on harmonious relationship involving non-indigene students of Federal Polytechnic Wannune and host community. Using qualitative content analysis approach and the adoption of contact hypothesis theory, the paper investigated the dynamics of harmonious relationships through cultural immersion programmes that can incubate or nurture mutual understanding, regard and collaboration or alliance among the parties. Purposive sampling was used to select non- indigene students of FPW, market women, commercial motor-cyclists and landlords as participants due to their regular interactions. Based on findings, this paper proffers that cultural immersion is a catalyst for harmonious relationships, encouraging cross-cultural competency, benevolence and social concord.
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