UNIPORT to Host New Chinese Cultural and Language Centre, Boosting Bilateral Ties

Port Harcourt, Rivers State – Friday, May 2, 2025 – The educational landscape of Nigeria is set to be enriched by a significant investment in cultural understanding and linguistic diversity, as the Chinese Government unveils its plans to establish a dedicated Chinese Centre at the University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT) in Rivers State. This strategic initiative, announced during a pivotal visit by the Chinese Consulate in Lagos, represents a powerful commitment to fostering a “new silk road” of knowledge and cultural exchange between China and Nigeria, with UNIPORT poised to become a key node in this burgeoning network.

The announcement, formally conveyed through a statement by UNIPORT’s Public Relations Officer, Sammy Kpenu, marks a significant step in China’s long-term engagement strategy with Nigeria, moving beyond traditional economic partnerships to invest in the intellectual and cultural capital of the nation. Yan Yuqing, China’s Consul-General in Lagos, spearheaded this initiative, with her vision eloquently articulated by Liu Hongwu, Director of the Institute of African Studies at Zhejiang Normal University, China, who led the delegation to UNIPORT. Mr. Hongwu’s presence underscored the importance that China’s academic and diplomatic communities place on this collaboration.

Speaking on behalf of Consul-General Yuqing, Mr. Hongwu conveyed a strong belief that the establishment of the Chinese Centre at UNIPORT would serve as a vital bridge, strengthening the bonds of friendship and cooperation between the people of China and Nigeria. This initiative reflects a growing global recognition of the importance of intercultural understanding in navigating an increasingly interconnected world, and China’s investment in UNIPORT’s linguistic and cultural infrastructure signifies a forward-thinking approach to international relations.

The envisioned Chinese Centre is not simply a symbolic gesture; it represents a tangible investment in the future of UNIPORT students and the broader Nigerian society. Consul-General Yuqing emphasized its role in “further strengthen[ing] educational and cultural exchanges between China and Nigeria, providing UNIPORT students with greater access to Chinese resources, training, and opportunities.” This suggests a comprehensive program that will likely include language instruction at various levels, cultural immersion activities, access to a wealth of Chinese academic and cultural resources, and potentially opportunities for scholarships and exchange programs to China. For UNIPORT students, this represents an invaluable opportunity to gain a competitive edge in the global marketplace and develop a deeper appreciation for a rich and influential culture.

Adding another significant dimension to this investment in knowledge exchange, Consul-General Yuqing announced the upcoming launch of the ‘China Window’ initiative. This broader platform is designed to democratize access to Chinese language, culture, and academic opportunities for all Nigerians, extending the benefits beyond the university campus. By creating a readily accessible portal to Chinese civilization, the ‘China Window’ aims to foster a greater understanding and appreciation of China’s history, its contemporary society, and its global perspectives among the Nigerian populace.

“Our aim is to open a window through which Nigerians can gain a better understanding of China,” Consul-General Yuqing stated, emphasizing the underlying philosophy of this investment in cultural exchange. “This is part of our ongoing commitment to strengthening educational and cultural ties with Africa, particularly with institutions such as UNIPORT.” This statement reflects a strategic vision of building long-term, sustainable relationships based on mutual understanding and respect, with education and cultural exchange serving as vital pillars.

The Vice-Chancellor of UNIPORT, Professor Owunari Georgewill, warmly embraced these initiatives, expressing profound gratitude to the Chinese Government for their sustained interest in the development of Africa, particularly their significant contributions to education, cultural enrichment, and critical infrastructure projects. His enthusiastic response underscores the recognition within Nigerian academic circles of the immense potential of this partnership for the intellectual growth of Nigerian students and the strengthening of bilateral ties.

Professor Georgewill specifically thanked the Chinese Consulate for selecting UNIPORT as the beneficiary of this significant investment in a Chinese Centre, acknowledging the university’s strategic importance within the Niger Delta region and its unwavering commitment to academic excellence. He pledged the full commitment of UNIPORT’s administration and faculty to ensuring the resounding success of this “new silk road” of knowledge.

A direct and tangible outcome of this collaborative investment is the formal establishment of a Chinese Language Programme at UNIPORT. This represents a significant expansion of the university’s academic offerings, equipping Nigerian students with a valuable linguistic skill that is increasingly sought after in the global economy. “This is part of our broader initiative to expand our academic offerings to students and to bridge the skills gap in Nigeria’s evolving labour market,” Professor Georgewill explained, highlighting the strategic alignment of this program with national development goals and the increasing importance of Sino-Nigerian economic ties.

Professor Georgewill further emphasized the long-term benefits of this investment in language and cultural understanding for UNIPORT students, particularly in enhancing their employability in the context of growing Chinese investment in Nigeria. “The growing presence of Chinese companies in Nigeria makes it essential for our people to acquire language and cultural skills that will enhance their employability and competitiveness,” he asserted. “This collaboration is timely, and we must fully leverage the opportunities it presents.” His words underscore the practical and economic advantages that this “new silk road” of knowledge is expected to bring to UNIPORT graduates and the wider Nigerian workforce, fostering a new generation of professionals equipped to navigate the complexities of Sino-Nigerian relations.

In his concluding remarks, Professor Georgewill hailed the establishment of the Chinese Centre as a “significant milestone” in UNIPORT’s ongoing efforts to promote cultural exchange and build strong cooperative ties with China. This investment in UNIPORT’s cultural and linguistic future promises to enrich the academic experience of its students, broaden their career horizons, and contribute to a deeper and more nuanced understanding between these two important nations, paving the way for a more prosperous and interconnected future.