China Seeks Strong Educational Partnership With Nigeria

China has reiterated its commitment to being Nigeria’s key partner in the education sector, recognising that the sector is critical to any country’s development.

At the launch of the Chinese Corner and “Nihao China” Painting Competition Awards Ceremony in Abuja, the Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai, stated that China is interested in Nigeria’s development. He also emphasised the importance of education in a country’s development.

He stated: “Among this very important consensus, one is to increase high-level education exchanges between our two countries. So, I would like to assure you that the Chinese Embassy will continue to contribute to the construction of more Chinese corners throughout Abuja. And we would like to provide more opportunities for teachers and students to travel to and train in China. I hope that the teachers and students in the China corner will truly become messengers of friendship between our two countries.

The envoy revealed that, over the last ten years, over twelve Chinese corners have been built around Abuja with the cooperation of the Chinese Embassy and the FCT Education Board, allowing students and teachers to explore the mysterious and wonderful oriental Chinese culture.

He stated, “I would like to emphasise that in this rapidly changing world, it is critical to increase understanding of diversity. So, I believe the Chinese corner has helped to improve cross-cultural communication. And I believe that students’ commitment to Chinese culture, Chinese dance, and Chinese history broadens their vision, or eyesight. And I believe they will eventually become messengers and ambassadors between our two countries.

“And, of course, over the years, we have chosen many outstanding students and teachers to visit China. Currently, quite a few students remain in China. And we believe that this opportunity demonstrates the positive cooperation between our two countries. Because I believe that country-to-country relations inevitably lead to people-to-people relations. And students are the future of our country.”

Speaking about the painting competition, the Chinese Ambassador praised the initiative, stating that Nigeria is a great country with incredible talent.

” I really like the performances by the teachers and students, and I think it is fantastic, well done. I have already learnt that people say that all Nigerians are artists, and today I can see for myself that this is true: every Nigerian is an artist. And I am pleased to learn that the Chinese corner has helped many students over the years. We received very positive responses, and some students came to us saying that it is a very cool club, because it allows them to explore the mysterious and wonderful oriental Chinese culture,” he added.

Dr. Muhammed Ladan, Director/Secretary of the FCT Secondary Education Board, stated that the relationship between China and Nigeria benefits both countries, and urged the painting competition participants to be proud of their participation.

He stated that “The Corners serve as a resource centre for Chinese education as well as hubs for cultural exchange between Nigeria and China.” The Chinese Corners offers students numerous opportunities to learn Mandarin and pursue scholarships in China to further their education. It may interest you to know that the collaboration between the Chinese Embassy and the FCT Secondary Education Board has been mutually beneficial to both countries. While the Chinese gain cultural exposure to Nigeria’s younger generation, Nigerian students and staff benefit from capacity building, scholarships, and educational support.

Responding to the Chinese people’s gesture, Josephine Ogwu, Principal of Government Secondary School, Wuse Zone 3, stated that the China Corner will be used effectively.

She stated, “The Cultural Centre provides a platform for educational and cultural exchange between Nigeria and China.” We hope that the Chinese Corner makes a meaningful contribution to people-to-people diplomacy by providing educational and artistic opportunities and fostering a sense of community among people from various backgrounds. We also anticipate that this initiative will strengthen Nigeria and China’s mutually beneficial cooperation and respect.

Other highlights of the event included the presentation of awards to students who competed in the Nihao China Painting Competition, which attracted approximately 120 students.

Students who participated in the competition were taught that participating in the competition is more important and beneficial to them than winning because it improves their artistic skills.