The Confucius Institute, University of Lagos (UNILAG) celebrated its annual Chinese Spring Festival ( also known as Year of the Snake) on Tuesday, February 25, 2025 at the Tayo Aderinokun Hall, UNILAG.
The Director of SERVICOM & Quality Assurance, Prof. Olufemi Saibu, represented the Vice-Chancellor at the event. In his remarks, he congratulated the Institute and appreciated the Institute’s management team. Professor Saibu expressed delight at the status of UNILAG as the only institution in Nigeria that offers a degree programme in Chinese Language.
In his welcome address, the Chinese Director, Prof. Zhao Hongling, emphasised that the aim of the Institute is to promote Chinese Language and culture, support local Chinese mandarin teaching internationally and also facilitate cultural exchange.
On his part, the Nigerian Director, Prof. Obi Iwuagwu, disclosed the determination of Confucius Institute, UNILAG to develop teacher-training courses for other Confucius Institutes around Nigeria.
The event was well-attended by undergraduate students of the university, HSK 1-3 students of the Institute, as well as primary and secondary school students from within and around the university. They participated in various activities like drama, dance, choreography, song presentations, and poem recitation among others.
Also present at the event were the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Development Services), Prof. Ayodele Atsenuwa; the Registrar, Mrs. Abosede Wicklife; Representative of the Bursar, Mr. Aderibigbe Olumide; Sub-Dean, Faculty of Arts, Dr. Henry Ogunyewo; Deputy Director, Confucius Institute, Dr. Adetoro Banwo; officials of the Chinese Consulate, the Nigerian Immigration Service among others.
Report: Oluwatoyin Ojo-Alo
Photographs: Islamiat Akanni
