The Confucius Institute, University of Lagos (UNILAG) has commenced activities to mark the Chinese Culture Week. With the theme: Building a Harmonious World, the culture week will run from Monday, May 22 to Saturday, May 27, 2023.
Speaking at the Opening Ceremony held at the Aderinokun Lecture Theatre, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Development Services), Professor Ayodele Atsenuwa who represented the Vice Chancellor of the University, Professor Folasade Ogunsola, FAS welcomed, appreciated and wished participants a fun-filled week.
Describing China as one of the leading countries in the world, the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Development Services) stated that Nigerians had the capacity to learn the Chinese language.
She noted that the Confucius Institute remained poise to exposing members of the university community and public to the Chinese Language and culture, adding that, “it is my hope that there would be a conference showcasing African culture and the Chinese Culture in future”.
In his remarks, the Nigerian Director of the Confucius Institute, Professor Chimdi Maduagwu highlighted that Nigerians and Chinese are indigenous people who are proud of whom they are. He explained that the Chinese Cultural Week would showcase the students of the institute as well as feature educative and entertaining demonstrations, illustrations and performances.
Similarly, the Institute’s Chinese Director, Professor Zhao Hongling disclosed that five (5) Chinese teachers have been added to the teaching of Chinese classes at the Institute. He also added that the Cultural Week would highlight Chinese food, culture, language, festival, religion, philosophy, movies, sports among others
In a brief comment, a representative of the Chinese Consulate Liang Benbin expressed gratitude to the UNILAG Management team and community for their efforts and support towards the Confucius Institute. He noted that the successes recorded by the Institute, in terms of impacting academic knowledge and cultural heritage of Chinese to Nigerian students and staff on the university Campus.
The ceremony was witnessed by dignitaries drawn from the private and public sectors including the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Management Services, Professor Lucian Chukwu; Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic & Research), Professor Bola Oboh; Director, Quality Assurance and SERICOM, Professor Olufemi Saibu; Dean, Faculty of Arts, Professor Olufunke Adeboye; representatives of the Chinese Consulate in Nigeria as well as the Nigerian Immigration Service among others.
