CI-UNILAG Hosts China-Nigeria Cultural Exchange

By Fathia Adegbuyi

The Confucius Institute at the University of Lagos (CI-UNILAG) hosted a joint Nigeria-China cultural exchange and educational exhibition on Monday, October 5, 2026.

The event, themed ‘One Moon, Two Nations, One Dream ’, was held at the J.F. Ade Ajayi Auditorium, University of Lagos. 

Speaking at the event, the Acting Consul General of the People’s Republic of China, Wang Yue, commended the institute for its commitment to promoting China-Nigeria educational cooperation, people-to-people exchanges, as well as for nurturing young people who understand and cherish Chinese culture.

“This year marks the 77th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China.”, Yue said. 

“The Chinese people have stood up, grown prosperous, and the country has grown strong. Today, China is the world’s second largest economy and a major trading partner for more than 160 countries and regions across the globe”

He also noted that 2026 marked the 66th anniversary of Nigeria’s independence. He added that Nigeria has emerged as Africa’s leading economy and that Lagos is West Africa’s economic, cultural, and transport hub, ranking among the world’s fastest-growing megacities. 

Yue also added that 2026 marks the 55th anniversary of the establishment of the diplomatic relationship between China and Nigeria.

“For more than half a century, our two countries have respected each other and marched side by side, setting a fine example for cooperation among developing countries”, he noted.

Nigerian Director of CI-UNILAG, Prof. Obi Iwuagwu, said the event was organised to reward students who excelled in telling Nigerian stories through the Chinese language.

He emphasised the broader impact of their work in providing an avenue to correct the misrepresentation of Africans, noting that “in most cases, the African, the Black man is misrepresented”.

The Chinese Director of CI-UNILAG, Prof. Wu Shuang, said the occasion was also organised to strengthen ties between Nigeria and China. 

She added that 25 finalists presented stories about Nigerian food, drinks, museums, transportation, customs, challenges and dreams in Chinese.

Shuang expressed optimism that the competition would continue in subsequent years, saying, “In future, you will have more chances to let more people know about your culture.”