FUNAAB TO ESTABLISH CHINESE LANGUAGE SCHOOL AS CULTURAL EXCHANGE HUB

FUNAAB TO ESTABLISH CHINESE LANGUAGE SCHOOL AS CULTURAL EXCHANGE HUB

The Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), has announced plans to establish a Chinese Language School that will serve as a hub for language learning and cultural exchange in Ogun State and beyond.

The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Babatunde Kehinde, disclosed this during the visit of the Consul General of the People’s Republic of China in Lagos, Ms. Yan Yuqing, to the university’s Alabata campus.

Prof. Kehinde said the initiative would further strengthen FUNAAB’s long-standing partnership with China in agriculture, trade, education, and culture.

“To further consolidate on the mutual relationship with the Republic of China, the university also aspires to establish a Chinese Language School to serve as a hub for language and cultural exchange for Ogun State and beyond,” he said.

The VC praised China’s development strides, innovation, and hospitality, reaffirming the university’s commitment to deepening collaborations that promote academic excellence, cultural understanding, and socio-economic growth.

In her remarks, Ms. Yuqing commended FUNAAB’s serene environment, vast land resources, and agricultural potential. She pledged to expand linkages with Chinese agricultural institutions, support joint research, facilitate seminars in Beijing and other cities, and enhance laboratory collaborations.

The Consul General also restated China’s commitment to the Chinese Training Centre at FUNAAB, which promotes Chinese language, culture, and traditional medicine. She further announced plans to extend a charity programme in Ogun State to support low-income students and staff.

Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Prof. Olukayode Akinyemi, described Yuqing as “an Amazon” and a woman of integrity, recalling how she promptly fulfilled four promises to the university within a month. He highlighted potential areas of collaboration such as renewable energy, joint degree programmes, staff development, medicine, engineering, and student exchange.

Also, Mr. Li Zhensheng of the China-Africa Economic and Trade Promotion Council listed six key areas for partnership: food security, manufacturing, mineral resource development, oil and gas refining, trade services, and education. He further proposed linking FUNAAB’s clinic with Chinese medical experts and collaboration on mushroom cultivation and medicinal research.

The delegation later toured the university’s facilities, including the 3MW Hybrid Solar Station, the Greenhouse, and the Central Laboratories at the Centre of Excellence in Agricultural Development and Sustainable Environment.

Dignitaries present at the meeting included the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Development), Prof. Olawale Dairo; Registrar, Dr. Titus Adeniyi; Bursar, Mr. Olukayode Osinuga; China-FUNAAB Desk Officer, Prof. Lawrence Egbeyale; and Germany-FUNAAB Desk Officer, Prof. Olufemi Ojo.

Yuqing was accompanied by Mr. Xu Fan, Director of Bilateral Relations; Mr. Haa Yihe, Protocol Officer; and Miss Su Ying.