By Michael Onjewu, Abuja
Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai says the University of Abuja has expressed interest in establishing a Confucius Institute to foster people-to-people exchanges between Nigeria and China.
Speaking at a seminar on civilization exchange and mutual learning at the University on Friday, Ambassador Yu revealed that Vice-Chancellor Professor Aisha Sani Maikudi conveyed her desire to establish the Institute when he paid her a courtesy visit.
Ambassador Yu noted that the institute would play a pivotal role in enhancing cultural exchanges between China and Nigeria. He stressed that high-level people-to-people exchanges are fundamental to the China-Nigeria relationship, which has been solidified through a comprehensive strategic partnership established during the 2024 Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) Summit in Beijing.
“Civilization exchange lays the groundwork for people-to-people interactions, which are essential for fostering strong country-to-country relations,” Yu stated.
“China and Nigeria enjoy excellent bilateral relations due to the close ties between our peoples, who continually learn from and respect one another.”
Also speaking, Mallam Jibrin Ndace, Director General of the Voice of Nigeria (VON), said the agency will soon begin broadcasting news in Mandarin to promote mutual learning and cultural exchange.
He noted the media plays a critical role in facilitating civilization exchanges and expressed VON’s commitment to showcasing Nigeria’s strengths and potential to the world.
Raphael Oni, organizer of the seminar in collaboration with Tsinghua University’s School of Journalism and Communication and the University of Abuja’s Department of Political Science and International Relations, said the event was organized to strengthen mutual exchange and cooperation between China and Nigeria.
The event was attended by academic scholars, researchers, members of the diplomatic community, and students from both countries.
