Expect Rapid Cultural Exchanges Between China And Nigeria, Says Chinese Cultural Counselor

Posted by African Examiner Latest Headlines, World News Saturday, March 19th, 2016

By Idowu John Bakare – President Muhammadu Buhari’s forthcoming visit to China in April, is expected to bring about more frequent exchanges and closer cooperation between the two countries in the field of culture and education, Cultural Counselor at the Chinese Embassy, Mr. Yan Xiangdong has said.

Mr. Xiangdong who is also the Director of China Cultural Centre in Abuja said China is set to strengthen its ties with Nigeria by enhancing the cultural and educational relations between the two countries.

The Chinese Cultural Counselor, in a statement, disclosed that the Embassy of China would like to offer more government scholarships to the Nigeria Scholarship Board and training opportunities to the Cultural enthusiasts in Nigeria.

“China-Nigeria diplomatic relations entered 45th year in this year 2016. Cultural and educational exchanges between our two sides have been dynamic, ensuring vigorous interaction and enhancing mutual understanding,” he stated.

Adding that, “Nigeria is the first African country to set up its cultural center in China, and China Cultural Center in Nigeria had also taken root. Each year, there are numerous exchange visits between cultural and academic groups from the two countries.

“In general, more and more Nigerian students take China as their next destinations for further study. Take 2014 for example, there were as many as 2979 students studying in China and among them 251 scholarship students and the rest were on their own expenses.

“With the rapid trade and economic exchanges between two countries, more and more Nigerians are heading for China for business and to learn mandarin is a must.

“There are two Confucius Institutes in Lagos University and Azikiwe University and other four Chinese language teaching centres in Kano, Abuja, Lagos and Ogun. More teaching stations will be expected in Abuja University, Ahmadu Bello University, Kano northwest University, etc.

“On March 8th 2016, speaking at the 1st China-Nigeria Fashion Cultural Exchange Show and Exhibition in the CCC–China Cultural Center, Nigeria, Dr. Shade Yemi-Esan, the permanent secretary of Ministry of Education pointed out that Nigerians are grateful for the China government for its generous support to Nigerian Youths. There are so many things to learn from the Chinese Education system. We are also impressed by the commitment the China side devoted into the cultural exchanges and hope to be informed for future events. We ask you to invite more Nigerian students to visit your cultural center.

The Embassy noted that, Cultural Centre in 2014 and 2015, held the “Ambassador Cup Image drawing competition” respectively and hundreds of students participated and some got prizes. The CCC also invited Nigerian students to the Chinese Art and Craft workshop, Martial Art workshop held in CCC, schools and in the Millennium Park.

“Meanwhile, the Embassy of China has been working closely with the educational department, such as FCT SEB– Secondary Education Board and set up China book corners in the 11 schools supervised by the FCT SEB in January. A China Library was established in Abuja University Library in February as well.”