Port Harcourt, Rivers State – Friday, May 2, 2025 – The academic landscape of the University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT) is poised for a significant transformation, one that promises to weave a vibrant thread of Chinese culture and language into its already diverse tapestry. The Chinese Government has formally announced its ambitious plans to establish a dedicated Chinese Centre within the university’s sprawling campus, a move heralded as a pivotal step towards fostering deeper cultural exchange and multifaceted cooperation between the burgeoning economies and rich cultural heritages of China and Nigeria.
The announcement, delivered during a significant visit to UNIPORT by a delegation from the Chinese Consulate in Lagos, underscores China’s growing commitment to engaging with Nigeria on multiple fronts, extending beyond trade and infrastructure into the vital realms of education and cultural understanding. Leading this delegation was Yan Yuqing, China’s esteemed Consul-General in Lagos, whose vision for strengthened bilateral ties was eloquently articulated through her representative, Liu Hongwu, the distinguished Director of the Institute of African Studies at Zhejiang Normal University, China.
In a statement disseminated by UNIPORT’s Public Relations Officer, Sammy Kpenu, the essence of this landmark initiative was unveiled. Mr. Hongwu, speaking on behalf of Consul-General Yuqing, conveyed a profound confidence that the establishment of the Chinese Centre at UNIPORT would serve as a powerful catalyst for deepening the already significant relationship between China and Nigeria. This sentiment resonates with the broader strategic partnership that has seen increased collaboration in various sectors, and the inclusion of cultural and educational exchange signifies a more holistic and sustainable approach to bilateral relations.
The envisioned Chinese Centre is not merely intended as a symbolic gesture; it is designed to be a dynamic hub for intellectual and cultural engagement. As articulated by Consul-General Yuqing, its primary objective is to “further strengthen educational and cultural exchanges between China and Nigeria, providing UNIPORT students with greater access to Chinese resources, training, and opportunities.” This commitment suggests a comprehensive approach that will likely encompass language instruction, cultural immersion programs, access to Chinese academic materials, and potentially even opportunities for student and faculty exchange programs. The implications for UNIPORT students are significant, offering them a unique window into one of the world’s most dynamic economies and a civilization with a rich and ancient history.
Adding another layer of significance to this burgeoning partnership, Consul-General Yuqing also unveiled plans for the inauguration of the ‘China Window’. This initiative is conceived as a broader platform, extending beyond the confines of the university campus, to offer Nigerians from all walks of life enhanced access to the intricacies of Chinese language, the richness of its culture, and the vast landscape of its academic opportunities. The ‘China Window’ signifies a deliberate effort to demystify China and foster a greater understanding of its people, its values, and its global perspectives within the Nigerian context.
“Our aim is to open a window through which Nigerians can gain a better understanding of China,” Consul-General Yuqing stated, emphasizing the underlying motivation behind these initiatives. “This is part of our ongoing commitment to strengthening educational and cultural ties with Africa, particularly with institutions such as UNIPORT.” This statement underscores a broader strategic vision of China’s engagement with the African continent, recognizing the crucial role of cultural understanding and educational collaboration in fostering long-term, mutually beneficial relationships. The selection of UNIPORT as a key partner in this endeavor speaks volumes about the university’s reputation and its strategic importance within the Niger Delta region.
Consul-General Yuqing expressed a palpable optimism that this burgeoning partnership between China and UNIPORT would yield substantial and enduring benefits for both nations. The potential for increased understanding, collaboration in research, and the development of human capital equipped with cross-cultural competencies are just some of the long-term advantages envisioned.
The Vice-Chancellor of UNIPORT, Professor Owunari Georgewill, responded to these significant announcements with profound appreciation and a clear commitment to the success of the initiatives. He commended the Chinese Government for its sustained and multifaceted interest in the African continent, specifically highlighting their contributions to education, cultural preservation, and crucial infrastructure development. Professor Georgewill’s acknowledgment underscores the recognition within Nigerian academic circles of China’s growing influence and its willingness to engage in meaningful partnerships.
Professor Georgewill also expressed sincere gratitude to the Chinese Consulate for specifically choosing UNIPORT as the recipient of the Chinese Centre, particularly noting the presence of other universities within the Niger Delta region. This selection is seen as a testament to UNIPORT’s academic standing and its strategic importance within the geopolitical landscape of Nigeria. The Vice-Chancellor pledged the full and unwavering commitment of the university’s administration and faculty to ensuring the resounding success of the Chinese Centre.
A tangible outcome of this partnership, as highlighted by Professor Georgewill, is the formal commencement of a Chinese Language Programme at UNIPORT. This development marks a significant expansion of the university’s academic offerings, providing students with the opportunity to acquire a language that is increasingly important in the globalized economy. “This is part of our broader initiative to expand our academic offerings to students and to bridge the skills gap in Nigeria’s evolving labour market,” Professor Georgewill explained, emphasizing the strategic alignment of this new program with national development goals.
Professor Georgewill further elaborated on the potential benefits of these language exchange initiatives for UNIPORT students, particularly in enhancing their employment prospects. He highlighted the “growing presence of Chinese companies in Nigeria,” spanning various sectors of the economy. In this context, the acquisition of Chinese language and cultural skills will undoubtedly provide UNIPORT graduates with a significant competitive edge in the job market, making them more attractive to Chinese-owned enterprises operating across the country.
“The growing presence of Chinese companies in Nigeria makes it essential for our people to acquire language and cultural skills that will enhance their employability and competitiveness,” Professor Georgewill asserted. “This collaboration is timely, and we must fully leverage the opportunities it presents.” His words underscore the practical and economic benefits that this partnership is expected to bring to UNIPORT students and the wider Nigerian workforce.
In concluding his remarks, Professor Georgewill described the establishment of the Chinese Centre as a “significant milestone” in UNIPORT’s ongoing efforts to foster cultural exchange and strengthen its ties of cooperation with China. This initiative represents a bold step towards internationalization and a commitment to equipping Nigerian students with the skills and cultural understanding necessary to thrive in an increasingly interconnected world. The partnership between UNIPORT and the Chinese Government promises to be a fruitful one, fostering not only academic and cultural enrichment but also contributing to stronger and more nuanced bilateral relations between these two important nations.
