Ride in Style! Confucius Institute, UNILAG Gets SUV from Dongfeng Automobile Nigeria, Ltd.

The Confucius Institute, University of Lagos, on Friday, January 12, 2024, received an SUV donation from a Chinese company, Dongfeng Automobile Nigeria, Ltd.

According to a manager of the company, Mr. Zhu Chengkai, the company donated the vehicle to the Institute as a way of supporting the institute and contributing towards the Nigeria-China cultural exchange. He expressed the company’s hopes that the Institute would continue to uphold its fine traditions, constantly improve the level of Chinese language teaching and make even greater contributions to the Nigeria-China friendship.

The Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Development Services), Prof. Ayodele Atsenuwa, who was on hand to receive the keys to the SUV on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Folasade Ogunsola, OON, FAS, expressed appreciation to the company for the donation.

She noted that the donation exemplified the support the University of Lagos has received from the Chinese community in Nigeria. She noted that since its inception, the Confucius Institute, UNILAG has taken large strides due to its relationship with the Chinese community. According to her, the Institute has trained over 2000 students who now have proficiency in the Chinese language, and it is in the process of training Nigerian immigration officers in Chinese language. She stated that the University looks forward to more endowments from the Chinese community, more support from Chinese companies in form of donation and internship placements for students and research endowment opportunities in the university.

The Nigerian Director, Confucius Institute, Prof. Obi Iwuagwu, thanked the company for the donation, noting that the car would be put to good use.

Thereafter, the vehicle was taken for a test-run by the Chinese Director of the Institure, Professor Zhao Hongling, in company of Prof. Atsenuwa, Prof. Iwuagwu, Mr. Zhu and the Deputy Director of the Institute, Dr. Adetoro Banwo.

Reporter: Ndidi Jennifer Odinikaeze

Photographer: Ayo Oloyede