To enhance Nigeria-China relations, the Chinese Consulate in Nigeria has commissioned newly renovated blocks of classrooms at the China-Nigeria Friendship Model Primary school in Igbesa, Ogun State.
The renovated buildings were funded by the Free Trade Zone Enterprises with support from the Consulate General of the People’s Republic of China in Lagos, Ms Yan Yuging.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, Yuging expressed joy for the opportunity to be part of the project, while also introducing Chinese Confucius Institutes in Nigeria.
Yuging said, “Eleven years ago, the construction of this school began. Since then, it has been a bridge of friendship and understanding between Nigeria and China. I hope that all the children will study more in these improved classrooms and strive towards achieving their goals.
Speaking to the pupils, Yuging said, “Children, education is related to the future of a country, now you are the future of Nigeria. Work hard and fight for a better tomorrow for the prosperity of Nigeria!”
Furthermore she said, “In the two Confucius Institutes, set up at the Nnamdi Azikiwe University (Unizik) and the University of Lagos (UNILAG) in Nigeria, Nigerian university students learn the Chinese language and culture every year. Many of them have successfully gone to Chinese universities to further their studies and returned home after completion.
“They are shining brightly in all walks of life in Nigeria. By learning Chinese, they have not only become envoys of cultural exchanges between Nigeria and China but also become the backbone of Nigeria’s national construction.”
Also speaking at the commissioning, the pioneer head teacher of the school, Mrs. Akinboade Yetunde applauded the Chinese consulate in Nigeria, and requested Chinese language to be taught in the school, while urging the foreign trade zone enterprise to build secondary schools
“Eleven years ago, when this school was established, academic proceedings started with 13 teachers and about 148 pupils, today we have 675 pupils, this gigantic effort of the Chinese to aid the progress of this school and the beneficiaries is highly commendable.”
Also the Deputy General Manager, Ogun-Guangdong Free Trade Zone, Mr Kevin Liu said, “Education holds a pivotal role in the prosperity of society, and investing in it secures the future.
“The partnership between China and Nigeria in the field of education exemplifies the advantages of collaboration, benefiting our people by providing educational opportunities and fostering positive impacts on our economy and society as a whole.
“China-Nigeria Friendship School, Igbesa, stands for knowledge, cultural exchange, and mutual understanding. These values promote global peace and cooperation and we are committed to maintaining this standard for generations to come.”
