The Embassy of the People’s Republic of China on Wednesday, awarded fifty-one teachers across schools in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja for their commitment to service and hard work.
This is as the Embassy also awarded fifty-one outstanding students and pupils from Senior and Junior Secondary Schools across the FCT with scholarships for their excellent performance.
Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Cui Jianchun said that the award is in commemoration of the Oct. 1 51st Anniversary of the China-Nigerian diplomatic friendship which is also marks the National Day of China and Nigeria’s Independence.
The Ambassador who was represented by his Wife, Mrs Liang Huili said that he educational exchange and cooperation between China and Nigeria is the Chinese government’s top priority and solving the difficulties, China’s greatest pursuit.
“It is my great pleasure to present the Oct. 1st Award of China-Nigeria friendship to our excellent teachers and students, donate books to this Model Primary School on behalf of the Chinese Embassy.
“2022 marks the 51st anniversary and establishment of diplomatic ties between Nigeria and China. Over the past years, together with efforts made by Nigerian side, we have witnessed gratifying progress on bilateral relations across the board.
“Dear friends, friendship, which derives from close contact between the people, holds the key to sound state-to-state relations, and our cultures can build the friendship bridge connecting China and Nigeria. In this respect.
“His Excellency, Chinese Ambassador proposed “Sharing Chinese Harmony, Performing Nigeria-China Symphony” initiative. Both China and Nigeria are cultural giants with a long history.
“Traditional culture plays an important role in the-historical — process of their national independence and revitalization.
READ ALSO : Regina Daniels left speechless as husband gifts her N10million for being supportive
“As good friends, good brothers and good partners, both countries not only cherish the concept of Harmony due to their important traditional value in facilitating personal growth and country’s development, but also enjoy their good relationship through performing Nigeria-China Symphony.
“As we all know, education is the basis for the development of a country, so educational exchange and cooperation between China and Nigeria is always our top priority. Solving the difficulties you are face is our greatest pursuit.
“What we strive to do is to provide students with a good learning environment, since we know that students are the future of Nigeria, well-educated students are more capable of building a more beautiful Nigeria,” Cui said.
Also speaking, Mr Alhassan Sule, Chairman, FCT Universal Basic Education Board (UBEB) appreciated the Chinese Embassy and the Ambassador for its unwavering to the FCT Education sector.
Sule who was represented by Mrs Director, Finance and Account, FCT UBEB recounted the financial and material support of the Chinese Embassy to FCT Schools.
“I am highly delighted to be here with you today to witness this historic presentation of scholarship awards by the Chinese Embassy to 51 learners and 51 teachers.
“Specially and carefully selected from different Primary and Junior Secondary Schools across the 6 Area Councils, to commemorate the 51 years of bilateral relationship between Nigeria and China.
“It may interest us all to know that scholarship presentation by the Chinese Embassy to our pupils and students in Primary and Junior Secondary Schools was initiated in 2013.
“Where the Embassy spent a total of N6.82million to award a scholarship of N10,000 each to 682 learners who were selected from 137 Primary and_ Junior Secondary Schools in the FCT.
“Again in 2016, the Embassy raised the number of beneficiaries of that year’s scholarship to 1,000 learners selected from 140 Primary Schools and from 60 Junior Secondary Schools.
“This time around, a total of N12 million naira was spent where all beneficiaries were given N12,000 each. And late 2021 , precisely on Dec. 10, 2021 while | was away for an official assignment, | was informed of the impromptu visit of His Excellency, the Ambassador and his dear wife to the China Assisted Model Primary School Nyanya.
“While on the visit, the Ambassador did not only present items to the School but that 50 pupils and 20 teachers enjoyed special scholarship awards that day.
“Today, we are once again gathered here by the Ambassador and his team from the Chinese Embassy for yet another presentation of scholarship to 51 selected learners and 51 selected teachers from both Primary and Junior Secondary Schools across the 6 Area Councils.
“To commemorate the 51 years of bilateral relationship, Cultural exchange, educational supports, economic, political and security relationships between these 2 great and most populous nations in their various continents, Nigeria and China.
“To the beneficiaries of this award, | urge you all to make judicious use of the funds given to you to improve your capacities education wise,” SUle said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reported that the 51 teachers were awarded N70,000 each while the 51 students were awarded 30,000 each.
