Tsinghua University Students Visit University of Abuja, Strengthening Ties Between China and Nigeria

In a significant move to foster academic collaboration and cultural exchange, a delegation of students from Tsinghua University's School of Journalism and Communications in China visited the University of Abuja yesterday. The visit, facilitated by the Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai, aims to strengthen the student exchange program between the two institutions.

Ambassador Dunhai praised the University of Abuja as "one of the best in Africa" and expressed his enthusiasm for deepening cooperation between the two universities. "We have had extensive cooperation between universities in Nigeria and China to promote cultural integration. Tsinghua University is one of the best universities in China, and we look forward to having a productive working relationship," he said.

University of Abuja Vice-Chancellor, Professor Aisha Sani Maikudi, warmly welcomed the delegation, assuring them of her institution's full cooperation. She highlighted the University's long-standing relationship with China and announced plans to establish a Confucius Institute on campus. "Our students are already studying Mandarin courses, and I believe our Faculty of Communication and Media Studies, and Department of Political Science will be able to establish stronger academic relationships with Chinese institutions," she said.

Dr. Sherif Ghali Ibrahim, head of the Department of Political Science and an expert on China-Africa relations, emphasized the significance of the exchange program in promoting mutual cultural understanding. The Chinese delegation, comprising faculty members and 17 PhD students, participated in a seminar on "Mutual Learning between Chinese and Nigerian Civilizations" at the Faculty of Communications and Media Studies.

The seminar's theme resonates with President Xi Jinping's vision of fostering a peaceful international system through mutual learning among civilizations. As the University of Abuja and Tsinghua University strengthen their ties, they embody the spirit of tolerance and cooperation that underpins this vision.