It was a beautiful day at the Confucius Institute, University of Lagos (UNILAG) as dignitaries from the University, Confucius Institute, Chinese Consulate in Nigeria, Chinese Business Community, as well as staff and students, gathered to celebrate the opening of the Institute’s new building and renovated facilities on Thursday, April 17, 2025.
In his address, the Chinese Director of the Institute, Prof. Zhao Hongling thanked the University management and Chinese Business Community for their immense support. He gave a brief report to the amount received and expended on the project.
In his address tagged “From Dream to Reality,” the Nigerian Director of the Institute, Prof. Obi Iwuagwu noted that the day was a special one for the institute, as “…for 16 years since its inception, the Institute has been holed up in a small building behind the Faculty of Arts, struggling with space and recognition even as its student and staff population continued to increase”.
The elated Director expressed joy at the completion of the project in less than 10 months. According to him, this was the fulfilment of his promise to the Confucius Institute family on his assumption of duty. His words, “…I was looking forward to our having an office complex, where you would be comfortable and could take pride in. I had assured you that before completing my tenure I would have worked out a definite plan for erecting our own building…”
He extended his sincere gratitude to the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Folasade Ogunsola for her unwavering support, the Chinese Consul General, Ms. Yan Yuqing for her leadership and support, subtly nudging and mobilizing the Chinese Business Community in Lagos to make the structure a reality; the Chinese Business community for the seed capital used for the work; the co-Director of the Institute, Prof. Zhao Hongling for being the driver and “number one marketer of the Confucius Institute Renovation Project”; the immediate past Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Development Services), Prof. Ayo Atsenuwa and Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Management Services), Prof. Lucian Chukwu for their direction and support throughout the project.
In the same vein, the Consul General of the People’s Republic of China in Lagos, Ms Yan Yuqing congratulated the Institute on the laudable achievement. She expressed profound appreciation to the University management and contributors to the project – the Chinese business community who generously donated towards the project.
Ms Yuqing extended warm regards to CI teachers for enhancing the understanding of the Chinese language and culture among Nigerians, as well as driving educational & cultural exchange and cooperation between China and Nigeria.
According to her, “The Confucius Institute has become an important window for spreading Chinese culture through a variety of cultural exchange and Chinese language teaching. It has enabled the Nigerian people to appreciate the charm of outstanding traditional Chinese culture and promoted the exchange and the mutual learning of Chinese and Nigerian universities. It has not only become a centre for cultivating Chinese language talent, building a solid language bridge for China-Nigeria exchange and cooperation but also a bond between China and Africa, deepening the branches between China and Africa and the nourishment of education and culture.”
The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ogunsola, in her address, noted that the celebration was more than just a celebration of the new infrastructure. She described the event as a celebration of friendship, shared knowledge, and growing bond between nations. She disclosed that the building stood as a symbol of the strong and evolving relationship between the people of Nigeria and People’s Republic of China.
Her words, “The University of Lagos has enjoyed a long-standing partnership with Chinese institutions. Funded through academic exchanges, cultural programs, and joint research, the establishment of the Confucius Institute in 2008/2009 was a landmark moment in the collaboration – gateway through which thousands of Nigerian students have been introduced to the Chinese language, cultures, and values.
Through this institute, we have seen the power of cultural diplomacy in action. Many students who may have once had a distant view of China now speak the language, understand the culture, and many have travelled there on scholarships to deepen their studies. In return, we have welcomed Chinese faculty and guests who have enriched their academic and cultural life here in Lagos. Let me say that we are looking forward to Chinese students coming here to meet with Chinese students, Nigerian students here to understand our culture, to understand our values because I believe we have a lot of shared values as two nations. China and Nigeria as two of the largest economies on their respective continent have continued to build a partnership rooted not only in commerce and development but in mutual respect and understanding, promoting dialogue, tolerance, and curiosity amongst our people”.
According to her, “with this new facility, we are expanding not just the building, though the building allows us to do a lot more, but a vision where our students are globally minded, culturally aware, and equipped with the tools to navigate a connected world. This space will host language classes, cultural events, exhibitions, and serve as a hub for scholarly exchange between Nigeria and China.”
The event also featured brief speeches from representatives of the donors, Li Yingjun, and the contracting company, Li Zhenbo, and beautiful Chinese dance performance “Cuo Wei Shi Kong” and Chinese music accompanied with dance “If the Moon didn’t come” by students of the Institute.
Dignitaries proceeded on an extensive tour of the renovated facilities and new building, and perusal of the “Donors’ Merit Wall” which contained names of all contributors to the project.
After taking a tour of the renovated facilities and new building, the Vice Chancellor had this to say, “I’m certainly seeing lots of cheese. I have been in the Confucius Institute building before. It was small and tight. But this really just opened the whole place up. I see a place where learning can occur much better. The ambiance is beautiful. And for those who are teaching and working here, this is somewhere you wake up in the morning and you want to come to.”
She congratulated the Confucius Institute and thanked all the contributors to the building project.
The event was brought to a close with a vote of thanks by the immediate past Deputy Director of the Institute and current Head of Unit, Chinese Studies, Dr. Adetoro Banwo.
It will be recalled that the Confucius Institute Renovation Project, a twin structure comprising an office complex, library, classrooms, boardroom, restrooms, etcetera, commenced on June 19, 2024 with a ground-breaking ceremony. (Read more: https://unilag.edu.ng/unilag-vc-chinese-consulate-flag-off-renovation-of-confucius-institute-block/).
Report: Ndidi J. Odinikaeze
Photographs: Joshua Michael
