In its desire to strengthen partnership with Nigeria, especially in the forestry and education sectors, Beijing Forestry University of China has held a capacity-building interactive session with Commissioners of Environment of Plateau, Taraba, Borno, Bauchi, and Anambra states.
Organized in collaboration with the Nigeria Entrepreneur Forum, Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), and the House of Representatives Committee on Nigeria-China parliamentary relations, the session was held at the China General Chambers of Commerce in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital city.
In his remarks, chairman of the university, Wang Hongyuan said the institution is in Nigeria to explore ways of collaboration in education, forest economy, water and soil conservation, sand break, environmental protection, and construction of urban conservation.
Mr. Wang said the institution is committed to the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with selected states in line with specific objectives which include: Exchange of teaching staff, researchers, and students; training of teaching staff and researchers; exchange of information and documentation; graduate and postgraduate courses; publications and scientific projects; seminars, conferences, discussions, meetings, sessions, among others.
He expressed the willingness of the university to host the commissioners in Beijing for the continuation of talks on areas of mutual partnership.
Earlier in his welcome address, Hon. Jaafar Yakubu, Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Nigeria-China relations said the parley will allow states to benefit from the expertise of the Beijing Forestry University, especially in the development of the untapped forest resources in Nigeria.
He assured that the Nigeria-China parliamentary friendship group “would continue to partner with stakeholders especially the Nigeria Governors’ Forum and the Chinese Embassy in exploring potentials and business investment opportunities between the two countries.”
In their separate remarks, Commissioners for Environment of Plateau, Taraba, Borno, Bauchi, and Anambra states expressed readiness to partner with Beijing Forestry University for the mutual benefit of both parties.
They also requested partnerships in the areas of scholarship, staff training, erosion control, and investment in tourism, the environment, and the education sector.
