By SARAFINA CHRISTOPHER

Vice-Chancellor (VC) of the University of Abuja (UniAbuja), Prof. Aisha Maikudi, has said that the university will soon commence a Confucius Institute, that is, Chinese language learning and culture programme.

Maikudi disclosed this while welcoming students from China?s Tsinghua University?s School of Journalism and Communications to the institution.

She said that the University of Abuja is a close partner of China, based on its long-standing relationship with the country, adding that her students were already studying some Mandarin courses.

The VC expressed her delight at the visit, and assured the delegation of the University?s full cooperation.

?I believe our Faculty of Communication and Media Studies, and the Department of Political Science, will be able to establish stronger academic relationships with Chinese institutions,? she said.

Earlier, Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai, who led the delegation, described the University of Abuja as one of the best in Africa and expressed hope for greater collaboration.

?We have had extensive cooperation between universities in Nigeria and China to promote cultural integration.

?The University of Abuja is one of the best in this continent.

?Tsinghua University is also one of the best universities in China.

?So, we look forward to having a productive working relationship with the two,? Dunhai said.

Also speaking, Dr Sheriff Ibrahim, Head of the Department of Political Science and an expert on China-Africa relations, said the exchange programme between the two universities would enhance mutual cultural understanding.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the delegation comprised of the Dean and Deputy Dean of the Faculty of Media Communication of the Tsinghua University, two faculty members and 17 PhD students.

They also participated in a seminar on ?Mutual Learning between Chinese and Nigeria?s Civilizations? at the university?s Faculty of Communications and Media Studies.

China?s Confucius Institutes are public educational and cultural promotion programs, which aim to promote Chinese language and culture, support local Chinese language (Mandarin) teaching internationally, and facilitate cultural exchanges.

It would be recalled that President Xi of China, once described the programme as the beacon of a peaceful international system for people to maintain mutual learning among civilisations and develop a spirit of tolerance to make the world a better place.

NAN also reports that the visit was part of moves to strengthen the student exchange programme between the two universities. (NAN)

?PHOTO: The Vice-Chancellor (VC) of the University of Abuja (UniAbuja), Prof. Aisha Maikudi, with the Chinese student delegation during their visit to the university.

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