The Chinese Embassy in Nigeria on Tuesday, awarded scholarships to 52 primary school teachers and pupils of the China-Assisted Model Primary School, Nyanya Abuja in a move aimed at promoting and enhancing education in Nigeria.
The event was to commemorate the “October 1st Award of China-Nigeria Friendship” marking the 52nd anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
In her address at the ceremony, Ms. Liang Huili, Wife of the Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria said that the scholarships were awarded to 32 pupils and 20 teachers to recognise outstanding qualities and to highlight the strategic role of education in fostering friendship and cooperation.
She also emphasised the significance of education as the foundation for progress and prosperity.
“Education is very critical to the progress, prosperity, and civilization of a country.
“It is important to individuals as well, especially for children, as it helps them learn how to think critically, enhancing their creativity and imagination.
“It also guides children to find the path to a career that they wish to pursue as adults.
“Education is the hope for the development of a country.
“When the youth are educated then the country will be proud of them in the years to come.
“We also believe that when the youth are strong then the country is also strong.
“I sincerely wish Nigeria will make great progress with rapid development in its education sector,” she said.
Liang also commended the scholarship recipients and urged them to remain focused on pursuing their academic dreams.
In her remarks, Mrs Jummai Haruna, Head Teacher of the school, expressed gratitude to the Chinese government for the sustained efforts it is making to promote education in Nigeria.
Haruna observed that the scholarship does not only serve as a recognition of the academic excellence of the recipients, but also serves as a testament to the hard work, resilience, and determination that each recipient has demonstrated on their academic journey.
“Exactly this time last year, and precisely on November 23, 2022, we all gathered here with many schools (primary and secondary) selected recipients of the scholarship from all 6 area councils of the FCT for this same purpose.
“Today, our school is the only beneficiary of the 2023 Chinese Ambassador Scholarship Award as a result of the wisdom and decision of the embassy and the FCT-Universal Basic Education Board (UBEB),” she said.
The head teacher urged the Chinese mission to sustain its efforts at promoting cultural and educational exchange between the two countries.
In his address, the Executive Chairman of FCT UBEB, Dr Alhassan Sule applauded the Chinese Embassy for its commitment to strengthening the partnership between China and Nigeria.
“The “October 1st Award of China-Nigeria Friendship” ceremony reaffirms the strong ties between China and Nigeria in the field of education.
“These scholarships serve as an inspiration for students and teachers alike, demonstrating the power of education to bridge cultures and foster mutual understanding,” he said.
Sule also encouraged the scholarship recipients to serve as role models for their peers and contribute to the upliftment of their communities.
The Head Boy of the school, Godswill Ogwuche, delivered a speech expressing gratitude to China for its unwavering support of Nigeria.
“China has contributed immensely to the development of education in Lagos and Abuja with the aim of advancing the standard of education in Nigeria.
“Since its inception, the Chinese Embassy has donated school bags, stationery, and sports equipment to our school to help the educational pursuit of pupils.
“Air conditioners were also donated to the school to create an environment conducive to teaching and learning.
Ogwuche appealed to the Chinese Embassy to provide the school with a teacher of Chinese language so that pupils could learn and communicate in the language.