China, OGFTZ Launch Free Chinese Online Class

The People's Republic of China has assured the federal government of continuous support in its education sector.

The Consul-General of the Chinese Consulate in Lagos, Ms Yan Yuqing gave the assurance during the launching of the free Chinese Online Classroom Project by the Ogun-Guangdong Free Trade Zone (OGFTZ) in Igbesa, Ogun State 

The launching ceremony which was done physically and virtually had in attendance Madame Wang Jinhong chairman of Chinese Plus, Prof. Abayomi Arigbabu, Commissioner of Education, Science and Technology, Ogun State, Professor Li Yonghe, President of Yunnan Agricultural University represented by Professor Wei Hongjiang, Mr Deng Yu, CEO of Guangdong New South Overseas Investment Holdings Co., Ltd, Mr Cai Guo, Vice President of China Glass Holdings Co., Ltd and Mr Song Bin, General Manager of Senda Group Nigeria Branch.

Yuqing while revealing that the project was in collaboration with the Chinese Ministry of Education, said the Free Trade Zone Online Chinese Classroom was a significant milestone in the cultural and economic collaboration between Nigeria and China. 

The initiative, she said aligned with President Xi Jinping's African development support, which "seeks to cultivate Chinese-speaking talents, bolstering local economies and fostering mutual understanding".

She said "The online class aims to foster cultural exchange and strengthen Nigeria-China relations by offering Mandarin Chinese learning opportunities to tertiary students and interested individuals. With a focus on technology transfer, career enhancement, and global preparedness, the project signifies OGFTZ's commitment to facilitating a positive environment for Nigerian and Chinese businesses". 

Madame Jinhong who emphasised the initiative's goal of making Chinese learning accessible worldwide through online courses and live broadcasts, said the collaboration with Yunnan Agricultural University, promised to cultivate proficient language speakers, equipped with vocational skills, bridging cultures and creating opportunities for cooperation

While speaking at Igbesa, the Deputy General Manager of China-Africa Investment FZC, Kevin Liu, stressed that the key component of the program is to equip the university undergraduates as well as widen their chances in skill acquisition and economic empowerment.

He added that apart from the involvement of the academy environment, the locals who are interested in learning the Chinese language will also benefit from the programme.

 He said, "I want to thank the Chinese Consulate General for the support, the Chinese Ministry of Education and the Ogun State government for the cooperation".

According to him, "We are very confident that the project will be successful and what we want is that the whole of Africa and Nigeria will benefit from it all."

One of the project coordinators, Madame Wang, explained that the project is to bridge the gap that existed between the workers and the experts, saying the aim is to transfer knowledge to the workers through learning the language.

She said, "We want to improve the technical skills of the workers, we want to be more localised. There is a gap between the knowledge and vocational skills, our target is to bridge the gap".

She disclosed that the organisers of the class are also looking for avenues to develop a curriculum with the higher institutions in the State.

Wang said over 600 persons have registered for the class both physically and online. 

Arigbabu however, assured the Chinese of the State government support, saying the government would work with the project's organisers.

He said the government is ready to accommodate the teaching of Chinese in its curriculum to improve knowledge as well as better opportunities and empowerment. 

Tongnyan David, one of the students, appreciated the Chinese government for organising the free Chinese online class. 

"I am happy to be part of this project. It will help me to speak and learn the language which will enhance my skills and technical know-how of the machines as well as earn big pay".