Education/News/January 2026/Wikipedia 25 celebration in the Igbo Wiki Fan Club Alvan and IMSU

Wikipedia 25 celebration in the Igbo Wiki Fan Club Alvan and IMSU

Summary: The Wikipedia 25 birthday celebration was an occasion to recognize 25 years of collaborative knowledge sharing by contributors, build connections among community members, and showcase the project’s potential to the general public. In previous years, the Wikipedia's birthday celebration had been organized only virtually. But this year, we converged students from the Igbo Wiki Fanclub Alvan and Imo State University, to celebrate physically on January 10, 2026. Participants sent in birthday felicitations in form of text and videos, which were compiled together as a present.

Social Media channels or hashtags: #Wikipedia25

Description

Twenty-five years! Such a significant milestone for Wikipedia as the world’s free encyclopedia, all thanks to the tireless efforts of a global community of volunteers. Over the years, Wikipedia has become the backbone of information online, with nearly 250,000 volunteers contributing to its 65 million articles across 300+ languages.

The Wikipedia 25th birthday celebration brought together students and contributors from the Igbo Wiki Fanclub Alvan and Imo State University to celebrate in person on January 10, 2026. This physical gathering was a departure from previous years' virtual celebrations, making it a memorable experience for participants. Seeing these individuals come together, united by their passion for knowledge and their commitment to Wikipedia, was truly inspiring.

The celebration featured various activities, including cutting of cake, Wikipedia games/quiz sessions, and a photo session. Participants also engaged in discussions, and networking sessions, fostering connections among community members. Birthday felicitations in text and video formats were submitted by community members and compiled into a special present. As we celebrate Wikipedia 25, we're reminded of its potential to shape the future of knowledge sharing. Behind every article, every edit, and every piece of information on Wikipedia, there are real humans contributing to the shared vision of free and open knowledge for all.