Chinese Ambassador in Nigeria, Dr. Zhou Pingjian, Thursday, announced the decision of his country’s government to award scholarship to 47 students of the Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria.
Dr. Pingjian said the scholarship was tagged ‘October 1 Scholarship for China-Nigeria Friendship’ as both countries got their independence on October 1.
He said, “It is my great honour to award the scholarship. China and Nigeria have many things in common. China is the largest economy in Asia and Nigeria is the largest in Africa.
On October 1, 1960, Nigeria got her independence, while the People’s Republic of China got hers on
October 1, 1949.
The volume of trade between the two countries had remarkably increased, where import from Nigeria to China increased to 79.1 per cent, while the volume of import from China to Nigeria also increased tremendously.”
He said the 27 years of cordial relationship that the two countries had has boosted their economic and political ties, saying that the standard gauge rail project is one of the current collaborations between China and Nigeria.
He added; “everybody knows ABU is the most prestigious in Nigeria and of course on this continent. We are happy ABU has shown degree of interest in partnering with Chinese universities.”
In his speech, the Vice Chancellor of ABU, Professor Ibrahim Garba, said the recipients were students with Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 4.68 and above, saying that the award was a credit to their efforts and a morale booster for the next few years before they graduate.
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