Igbo language and culture to be taught in a Chinese University

The VC of UNIZIK, Awka, Professor Joseph Eberendu Ahaneku, has disclosed that an ongoing arrangement that would allow people from the university to teach Igbo language and culture in Xiamen University, China is currently being worked on.

According to Daily Sun, Professor Ahaneku said the teaching of the local language would encourage knowledge sharing between the two institutions, with the teaching of Chinese language already in place in some tertiary institutions in Nigeria.
The VC disclosed this during the send-forth ceremony of 54 students of Confucius Institute of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, who bagged scholarships to study in different Chinese universities.

He urged the students to make best use of the opportunity, adding that the Chinese government would sponsor three of the awardees, while the Confucius Institute would train the rest.
He informed his audience that over 100 students have gained scholarship to study in China for various degrees.
The VC further said the implementation of the Memorandum of Understanding had progressed smoothly as Chinese language and culture were taught at both diploma and degree levels in the university.
Speaking at the event, the director of the Chinese Cultural and Research Centre, Professor Wang Bo, said the bilateral relationship between Nigeria and China has opened doors for commerce and economic exchange between the two countries.

Bo added: “Henceforth, our windows are wide open to accommodate all academia and researchers who may have China and Nigeria as their case study to come in and explore the opportunities here for their research work.”
Last week, the Jigawa state government announced that it has sponsored 60 students to Shenyang Medical College in China to study medicine.

This was disclosed by Dr Abba Zakari-Umar who is the commissioner for health in the state on Saturday, October 15 at the Malam Aminu Kano International Airport shortly before the departure of the students to China.