The Chinese government on Tuesday, presented scholarships to deserving teachers and students of China Assisted Model Primary School in Nyanya, Federal Capital Territory Abuja.
52 tutors and learners, representing 52 years of bilateral ties between Nigeria and China, received the cash award at an event held at the school premises.
In her welcome address, Liang Huili, the wife of the Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, said the scholarship is a testament to China’s resolve to promote educational and cultural exchange between Nigeria and China.
“This year’s ‘October 1st Award of China-Nigeria Friendship’ will be presented to 52 outstanding students and teachers. As we all know, education is very critical to the progress, prosperity and civilization of a country. It is important to individuals, especially for children. It helps children learn how to think critically and enhance their creativity and imagination. It guides children to find the path to a career that they wish to pursue as an adult,” she said.
“The Chinese Embassy has always attached great importance to cooperation in the field of education between our two countries and has always cared about the students of China-Assisted Model Primary School Nyanya.
“In the past, the Chinese Embassy and Chinese companies in Nigeria built new classrooms, did maintenance work for those old rooms and toilets, donated computers which were badly needed by students, and power generator which was urgently demanded by the school.
“Today we bring with us new items, with a wish that they will be able to help the teachers in their teaching, help the students in their studies and contribute to the development of this school,” Liang Huili added.
Speaking on behalf of the awardees and students, Head Boy of the school, Godswill Ogwuche, thanked the Chinese Embassy for the gesture and appealed to the Embassy to consider deploying a Chinese Teacher to the school, to enable pupils to learn how to speak the Chinese language.
He also advocated for the provision of furniture for pupils and teachers and the renovation of the school for effective teaching and learning.
Since signing a Memorandum of Understanding with the Chinese Embassy in 2007, the Federal Capital Territory Universal Basic Education Board (FCT-UBEB) has enjoyed extensive educational support from the Chinese government.
Some of these include the donation of the China-Assisted Primary School, Nyanya and a study centre in Junior Secondary School, Area 11 Abuja.
According to official figures, the Chinese Embassy has spent over N25 million on stationery, sports equipment and scholarships for students in FCT schools.
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