The Chinese Government has unveiled plans to set up a Chinese Centre at the University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT), Rivers State, aimed at promoting cultural exchange and educational cooperation between China and Nigeria.
China’s Consul-General in Lagos, Yan Yuqing, made the announcement during a visit to UNIPORT, as disclosed in a statement by the university’s Public Relations Officer, Sammy Kpenu. Represented by Professor Liu Hongwu, Director of the Institute of African Studies at Zhejiang Normal University, Yuqing expressed confidence that the centre would deepen the bilateral relationship between both countries.
“The centre will further enhance educational and cultural exchanges, giving UNIPORT students access to Chinese language resources, training, and opportunities,” Liu stated. She also revealed plans to launch the ‘China Window’—a platform that will introduce Nigerians to Chinese language, culture, and academic opportunities.
According to her, “Our goal is to create a window through which Nigerians can better understand China, as part of our ongoing commitment to strengthening ties with African institutions.”
Welcoming the initiative, UNIPORT Vice-Chancellor Professor Owunari Georgewill thanked the Chinese Government for choosing the university, noting that the Chinese Centre would mark a new chapter in cross-cultural collaboration. He confirmed that UNIPORT has already launched a Chinese Language Programme as part of broader efforts to diversify academic offerings.
“With the increasing presence of Chinese companies in Nigeria, equipping our students with language and cultural skills is crucial to improving their employability and competitiveness,” Georgewill said.
He described the partnership as a significant milestone and reaffirmed the university’s full commitment to ensuring the success of the Chinese Centre.
