In a move to enhance international collaboration and bridge the skills gap in Nigeria’s evolving labour market, the University of Port Harcourt has reaffirmed its commitment to training Nigerians in the Chinese language to boost their chances of employment in Chinese-owned companies operating within the country.
In statement by UNIPORT Public Relations Officer Dr Sammy Kpenu, the Vice Chancellor of the University, Professor Owunari Abraham Georgewill, made this known while receiving a high-level delegation from China. He emphasized the importance of knowledge exchange, describing it as a key pillar of development and international cooperation.
“With the growing number of Chinese companies in Nigeria, it is only strategic to equip our people with language and cultural skills that make them more employable and competitive,” Professor Georgewill stated. “This collaboration is timely, and we must take full advantage of the opportunities it offers.”
The Vice Chancellor expressed deep appreciation for China’s continued interest in Africa, particularly in the areas of education, culture, and infrastructure development. He lauded the Chinese delegation for offering the University of Port Harcourt delegation, led by the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic), Professor Kingsley Owete, the opportunity to attend a recent international conference at no cost. He described the gesture as generous and deeply commendable.
Professor Georgewill further remarked that although many universities exist in Nigeria’s South-South region, the selection of the University of Port Harcourt for this partnership was a welcome development. He also praised the leadership of the Confucius Institute and the Chinese Centre at UNIPORT for sustaining the collaboration and promoting Chinese language and culture among students and staff.
In a development that signals the deepening of this partnership, the Chinese Consul General announced plans to establish a new Chinese Center at the University. The center, he said, will further cement educational and cultural exchanges between China and Nigeria and provide UNIPORT students with greater access to Chinese resources, training, and opportunities.
Also speaking during the visit, Professor Liu Hongwu of the Institute of African Studies at Zhejiang Normal University, China, who led the delegation, emphasized the strategic importance of China-Nigeria cooperation. He noted that the delegation came not only for the conference but also to inaugurate the “China Window”—a platform designed to give Nigerians broader access to Chinese language, culture, and academic opportunities.
“Our aim is to open a window through which Nigerians can better understand China,” Professor Liu said. “This visit is part of our ongoing efforts to strengthen educational and cultural ties with Africa, especially with institutions like the University of Port Harcourt.”
The partnership is expected to yield long-term benefits for both nations
