The People’s Republic of China has launched free Chinese Online Classroom Project by the Ogun-Guangdong Free Trade Zone (OGFTZ) in Igbesa, Ogun State, assuring the Nigerian government of continuous support in its education sector.
Penpushing reports that the launching was conducted physically and virtually and had in attendance Madame Wang Jinhong chairman of Chinese Plus, Prof. Abayomi Arigbabu, Commissioner of Education, Science and Technology, Ogun State.
The Consul-General of the Chinese Consulate in Lagos, Ms Yan Yuqing at the event explained that the project was in collaboration with the Chinese Ministry of Education, adding that the Free Trade Zone Online Chinese Classroom was a significant milestone in the cultural and economic collaboration between Nigeria and China
Penpushing further reports that Yuqing stated that the initiative, aligned with President Xi Jinping’s African development support, which seeks to cultivate Chinese-speaking talents, bolstering local economies and fostering mutual understanding
‘The online class aims to foster cultural exchange and strengthen Nigeria-China relations by offering Mandarin Chinese learning opportunities to tertiary students and interested individuals. With a focus on technology transfer, career enhancement, and global preparedness, the project signifies OGFTZ’s commitment to facilitating a positive environment for Nigerian and Chinese businesses”.
Penpushing also reports that Chairman of Chinese Plus, Madame Wang Jinhong emphasised the initiative’s goal of making Chinese learning accessible worldwide through online courses and live broadcasts, explaining that collaboration with Yunnan Agricultural University, promised to cultivate proficient language speakers, equipped with vocational skills, bridging cultures and creating opportunities for cooperation
The Deputy General Manager of China-Africa Investment FZC, Kevin Liu, stressed that the key component of the program is to equip the university undergraduates as well as widen their chances in skill acquisition and economic empowerment, adding that apart from the involvement of the academy environment, the locals who are interested in learning the Chinese language will also benefit from the programme.
‘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 what we want is that the whole of Africa and Nigeria will benefit from it all.”
Penpushing reports that one of the project coordinators, Madame Wang, explained that the project is to bridge the gap that existed between the workers and the experts, pointing out that the aim was to transfer knowledge to the workers through learning the language.
‘We want to improve the technical skills of the workers, we want to be more localised. There is a gap between the knowledge and vocational skills, our target is to bridge the gap”, she added
Penpushing further reports that Wang who disclosed that over 600 persons have registered for the class both physically and online said the organisers of the class are also looking for avenues to develop a curriculum with the higher institutions in the State.
The Ogun State Commissioner of Education Science and Technology in his remarks assured the Chinese of the state government support, and that the government would work with the project’s organisers, adding that the government is ready to accommodate the teaching of Chinese in its curriculum to improve knowledge as well as better opportunities and empowerment.
Penpushing also reports that one of the students, Tongnyan David expressed appreciation to the Chinese government for organising the free Chinese online class, adding that such will add value to writing and speaking foreign language for his benefits and others
“I am happy to be part of this project. It will help me to speak and learn the language which will enhance my skills and technical know-how of the machines as well as earn big pay”.
Penpushing reports that other stakeholders at the ceremony Professor Li Yonghe, President of Yunnan Agricultural University represented by Professor Wei Hongjiang, Mr Deng Yu, Chief Executive Officer of Guangdong New South Overseas Investment Holdings Company Limited, Mr Cai Guo, Vice President of China Glass Holdings Company Limited and Mr Song Bin, General Manager of Senda Group Nigeria Branch.
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