The consul-general of China in Lagos, Yan Yuqing, has restated China's commitment to aid the growth of Nigeria's education system.
The consul-general mentioned that the embassy remains determined to support education in Nigeria, as it is a crucial aspect for the country's future progress.
She made this statement on Wednesday during the launch of the free Chinese Online Classroom Project donated by the Ogun-Guangdong Free Trade Zone in the Igbesa area of Ogun State.
Yuqing, while disclosing that the project was a collaboration with the Chinese Ministry of Education, said the Free Trade Zone Online Chinese Classroom marks a significant achievement in the cultural and economic partnership between Nigeria and China.
She indicated that the project complements President Xi Jinping's African development assistance and aims to nurture Chinese-speaking talents, support local economies, and encourage mutual understanding.
She added, "The online class aims to promote cultural exchange and enhance Nigeria-China relations by offering opportunities to learn Mandarin Chinese to university students and interested individuals. With a focus on technology transfer, career advancement, and global readiness, the project shows OGFTZ's dedication to creating a positive environment for Nigerian and Chinese businesses.
On his part, the Deputy General Manager of China-Africa Investment FZC, Kevin Liu, explained that the program's main goal is to prepare university students and broaden their opportunities for skill acquisition and economic advancement.
He added that aside from involving the academic environment, local individuals interested in learning the Chinese language will also benefit from the program.
"I want to thank the Chinese Consulate General for the support, the Chinese Ministry of Education, and the Ogun State government for the cooperation.
"We are very confident that the project will be successful and our goal is for the whole of Africa and Nigeria to benefit from it all," he noted.
One of the project coordinators, Madame Wang Jinhong, said the project aims to bridge the gap between the workers and the experts by transferring knowledge to the workers through language learning.
She also stated that over 600 people have signed up for the class, both physically and online.
She mentioned, "We want to enhance the technical skills of the workers and be more localized. There is a divide between knowledge and vocational skills, and our aim is to bridge that divide.
The Commissioner of Education, Science and Technology in Ogun State, Prof. Abayomi Arigbabu, assured the Chinese embassy of the government's support.
Arigbabu mentioned that the government is prepared to include the teaching of Chinese in its curriculum to enhance knowledge and create better opportunities and empowerment.
The Chinese ambassador to Nigeria, Cui Jianchun, had pledged in January to strengthen its bonds with Nigeria.
Jianchun stated that the year, represented by the dragon sign, would provide an opportunity for China and Nigeria to strengthen their relationship through shared ambitions.
Other people at the launch included Professor Li Yonghe, who represented President Wei Hongjiang of Yunnan Agricultural University; Mr Deng Yu, the CEO of Guangdong New South Overseas Investment Holdings Co., Ltd; Mr Cai Guo, the Vice President of China Glass Holdings Co., Ltd; and Mr Song Bin, the General Manager of Senda Group Nigeria Branch.
