The University of Lagos (UNILAG), recorded yet another significant milestone on Monday, October 23, 2023, as its Department of Linguistics, African and Asian Studies, Faculty of Arts, received the donation of a Digital Language Learning Laboratory, from mobile phone manufacturer, Tecno Mobile.
The presentation of the donation was made by the Tecno Mobile General Manager, Nigeria, Mr. Jack who was accompanied by other senior officials of the company including Human Resource Manager, Mrs. Oluwaseto Ajibogere Bademosi.
The unveiling ceremony was held in the presence of students and staff of the Faculty of Arts led by the Dean, Professor Mudashiru Ilupeju. The UNILAG Confucius Institute team including the Nigerian Director, Professor Obi Iwuagwu, and his Chinese counterpart, Professor Zhao Hongling were also in attendance.
According to Mrs. Bademosi, the donation is a testament to Tecno’s commitment to supporting education, promoting technological advancements, and improving learning experience across Nigerian Universities.
She reiterated her company’s readiness to facilitate internship and employment opportunities for five (5) outstanding graduating students, per session. This, she explained, formed part of Tecno Mobile’s range of offers to inspire research and scholarship.
In his remarks, Dean of the Faculty of Arts, Professor Mudashiru Ilupeju highlighted the importance of the gesture to the faculty. The Dean who doubled as the representative of the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Folasade T. Ogunsola, OON, FAS at the event, expressed gratitude to Tecno Mobile for their generosity.
While acknowledging the significant impact the facility will bring to the University, Professor Ilupeju noted that the digital learning laboratory is in consonance with the mission of the University to deliver first-class educational experience for both students and staff.
The occasion offered a platform for the UNILAG Directors of the Confucius Institute, Professor Obi Iwuagwu, and Zhao Hongling to highlight the importance of learning a second language. According to Professor Iwuagwu “…anyone who has no second language proficiency is as good as being called an illiterate”
His Chinese Counterpart, Professor Hongling stressed the need for learning the language, noting that China is experiencing overwhelming growth, as such Companies and individuals require professionals who understand Mandarin Chinese.
His words, “The Chinese culture is amongst the most eye-opening and intricately woven cultures in the world. We have many customs, traditions, and language characters to learn. When you learn Mandarin, not only do you learn the language, but you learn the Chinese way of life too”.
The newly donated laboratory is equipped with cutting-edge technology and modern amenities, designed to enhance the learning experience for students in the Department of Linguistics, African and Asian Studies (LAAS).
The facility includes advanced audio-visual equipment, interactive whiteboards, high-speed internet connectivity, and state-of-the-art language learning software that offers students interactive modules for language acquisition and practice to drive immersive learning for users of the facility.
As part of the unveiling ceremony, a student of the Department of English Language, Faculty of Arts, Ikuesan Olawale Ayomikun won a Techno Spark 10 phone through a raffle draw competition. Several other gift items were also doled out to students at the event.
