The Vice–Chancellor of the University of Port Harcourt, Professor Owunari Georgewill, hosted a delegation of the Chinese Consulate from Lagos led by the Consul General, Ms Yan Yuqing. This historic visit marks a new chapter in Sino-Nigerian academic and cultural relations, a strategic move to consolidate the educational and cultural bond based on mutual interests between the People’s Republic of China and the University of Port Harcourt.
The visit was a sequel to an earlier one two weeks ago by a team of top university management, led by the Vice Chancellor, to the consulate in Lagos, during which the Consul General promised to reciprocate. In fulfilment of her promise, she led her team—including Mr Dan Guti, the Deputy MD, South-South East Zone of the Chinese Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC)—on Thursday, 12 June 2025, to familiarise herself with the university environment. She used the opportunity to launch the proposed “Window to China Centre”, advancing Chinese-Nigerian academic and cultural collaboration. It will serve as a cultural and educational exchange hub to foster stronger ties between Nigeria and China.
It would also encourage UNIPORT staff and students to learn the Chinese language, arts, and cultural practices. Through the Consul General, the Chinese government has pledged full support for the initiative, including academic exchanges and cultural programmes.
The visitors were entertained by the rich cultural heritage of the Rivers people in a brief ceremony, during which the Nigerian national anthem, the Chinese national anthem, and the UNIPORT anthem were performed.
Professor Georgewill informed the StarReporters’ correspondent that Ms Yan Yuqing was shown around the university. In the end, she shared her experience: “I am highly impressed by the neatness, cleanliness, and spaciousness of your campus.” The Consul General, accompanied by a delegation from CCECC, also toured the existing Confucius Centre for the teaching of Chinese language and culture at Delta Park, UNIPORT. She visited classrooms, interacted with students, and expressed satisfaction with the level of engagement and the facilities. After this, she declared, “I came to launch the proposed Window to China. For successful students in the Confucius programme, theirs will be a journey to China and not a window to China.”
The visit occurs just two weeks after a team of four Chinese lecturers sponsored by the Chinese government visited UNIPORT as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen cultural and academic ties.
As part of this collaboration, the Consulate has sent two lecturers from UNIPORT—Professor Kalu Wosu, Director of the Chinese Language and Cultural Centre, and a Nigerian Chinese language lecturer—to China on a fully sponsored trip. Additionally, the Chinese Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) will spearhead the construction of the Centre within a dedicated space already allocated in the university’s library.
The Vice Chancellor of UNIPORT, Professor Owunari Georgewill, described the initiative as a significant step forward in the university’s drive toward internationalisation and global academic partnerships.