UNICAL VC Signs MoU with China For Teaching, Learning Of Chinese Language
From Etim Bassey, Calabar
The Vice Chancellor of the University of Calabar, Prof. Zana Akpagu, has signed a memorandum of understanding, MoU, with the embassy of China for the establishment of a Centre for Chinese language at the University of Calabar.
The Vice Chancellor has also called for educational corporation with the Chinese government to promote technological training in our higher institution of learning.
Speaking at the event in Calabar on Monday, Akpagu, said there is need to relax the visa requirement for China to enable them invest in Nigeria as well as boost the nation’s economy.
The Vice Chancellor said every country is tapping into the potential trials of the Chinese and South Korea investors given the fact that they are the biggest spenders and added that there is urgent need for educational corporation with the Chinese government aimed at taking our country to an enviable height.
According to him, there is urgent need to begin the learning of the language considering the level of development that China has attained, in the area of technology.
“Technologically, they are up there. They studied English and found out how the Americans and Europeans did it and subsequently, they took over,” he stated.
He commended the Chinese government for the introduction of Mandarin (language) in the institution. He said it is high time Nigerians followed the footsteps of the Chinese people so as to take the economy of the nation to higher heights.
Akpagu disclosed that the Chinese government has agreed to assist the institution with teachers and also develop a curriculum that will help facilitate the kick-off of the programme.
The VC promised to partner with them in the learning/teaching of Chinese language, adding that facilities needed for take-off of the centre at the Bassey Andah institute for African/Asian studies at the University of Calabar are already in place.
Responding, First Secretary, Centre for Culture/Education Affairs, Embassy of China, Wang Guiping, said they were in Nigeria to put forward the educational exchange programme through the establishment of the Chinese language, adding that its reason for the establishment of the centre to teach Chinese language.
He said because of the relationship that exists between the two countries, both nations became interested in corporation with each other in almost every field of human endeavor.
