The Chinese Government through it’s Embassy in Nigeria has upgraded facilities at a Model Primary School in Nyanya, a suburb of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT Abuja, as part of efforts to boost bilateral ties through education.
At the formal commissioning of the upgraded school facilities, the Charge D’Affairs of the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria, Mr. Zhang Yi emphasized that children serve as envoys, fostering the relationship between China and Nigeria. Therefore, providing them with quality education in a conducive environment is a top priority for the Chinese government.
As part of Corporate Social Responsibility, he said the Chinese companies have invested in building infrastructure project as well as support Nigeria’s education sector.
Yi said; “Most of the Chinese people and companies have been working side by side with Nigerians to build a lot of infrastructure projects. Quite a lot of Chinese companies are serving their social responsibilities in Nigeria. The upgraded facilities provided by the China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC) will encourage and mobilise more Chinese companies to invest and contribute to the educational development of the country and promote culture exchange between Nigeria and China. Because every school children deserve quality education. The Chinese government stand ready to make more contributions.”
The Managing Director, China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC), Zhou Hao, said contributing towards enhancing quality educational environment is the priority of his company and the Chinese people.
Hao said; “Under the leadership and support of the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria, our team took advantage of the school holiday period to replace blackboards for the children, repair the bathrooms, and carry out other feasible tasks.
“Besides these works, we also brought children’s stationery such as notebooks, pencils, erasers, rulers, and a small amount of sports equipment, hoping that the children would like them.”
“Among all the different peoples of different continents, there is a common ground that transcends ethnicity and nationality—children, who fill the world with hope and brightness. They represent the future expectations and aspirations, and they rightfully deserve a better life. That is why we believe that improving children’s education conditions and environment is a shared goal among people from all sectors in both China and Nigeria. Thus, as a Chinese company operating in Nigeria, we are very eager and honored to contribute our part to the educational efforts in Nigeria,” he added.
Responding to the good gesture, the Executive Chairman of the FCT Universal Basic Education Board, UBEB, Dr. Alhassan Sule, commended the Chinese government for investing in education in the FCT.
Dr Sule stressed that in the future, the school could be turned into a smart education spot.
“Education globally is every body’s responsibility. It is only through education that the young Nigerians can truly realize their potential, even as I expressed delight in the upgrading of facilities in the school through the provision of learning materials.
“Every thing we are doing for education is for the development of the society therefore we appreciate the Chinese government. No child on earth can express their potentials without access to quality education in a classroom. Therefore all hands must be on deck to ensure the children have quality and sustainable education,” he said
Expressing appreciation to the Chinese Government, the Assistant Head Teacher, China Assisted Model Primary School, Nyanya, Mrs. Dada Galadima said;
“Your investment in education underscores your dedication to nurturing the potential of our youth and building a brighter future for our nation. By providing support to our school, you are ensuring that every child has access to the tools and resources they need to succeed academically.
“This delivery of materials will significantly enrich the learning and enhance the educational experience of our pupils. Your passion and commitment over the years towards the growth and sustainability of our school is highly appreciated.”
The China-aided model Nyanya School was built in 2011, under the long-term attention and support of the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria and the Education Bureau of the Federal Capital Territory of Nigeria, FCT.
Mercy Chukwudiebere
