The Embassy of the People’s Republic of China, on Friday, presented awards worth over N2 million to 50 outstanding pupils and 20 teachers of the China-Assisted Primary School, Nyanya, Abuja.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the 50 pupils were given N20,000 each while the 20 teachers were given N50,000 each, under the China-Nigeria Friendship Award.
Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Cui Jianchun, said that education remained the bedrock for development of every country, adding that the Chinese government had done a lot to develop the Nigerian education sector.
Jianchun disclosed that the China-Nigerian Friendship Association reminded the Chinese Embassy of the need to take the development of Nigerian schools into consideration.
He said that the award to the China-Assisted Primary School was a way to encourage brilliant students and teachers to become better.
“2021 is a special year which marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of bilateral relations between China and Nigeria. On this occasion, one word I want to focus on is friendship.
“In the past, the Chinese Embassy and Chinese companies in Nigeria built new classrooms, did maintenance work for old rooms and toilets, and donated computers which is badly needed by students.
“Today, we bring with us new items with a wish that they will be able to help teachers in their teaching, help students in their studies and contribute to the development of school.
“As we all know, education is the hope for the development of a country. When the youths are educated, then the country is educated.
“When the youth are strong, then the country is strong. Looking around the world, those countries that are strong are strong and advanced in education.
“Therefore, I sincerely wish Nigeria will make great progress with the rapid development in its education field,” Cui said.
Dr Sule Hassan, Chairman, FCT Universal Basic Education Board, lauded the Chinese Embassy for its continuous support towards developing the education sector in the FCT.
Hassan, who was represented by Hajiya Habiba Aliyu-Barau, Director, Primary School Service, FCT UBEB, said the gesture would go a long way in positively touching the lives of the pupils and teachers.
“This scholarship will go a long way in touching the lives of the children and their teachers and it would also encourage them to do more academically and on the job.
“So many of the pupils cannot afford to buy exercise books. Some parents cannot afford N20,000, and it will also help the teachers solve their problems.
“China has been of great assistance to Nigeria. We know that during the COVID-19 pandemic, China was the first country to assist Nigeria and we pray that other countries emulate China,” Hassan said.
Jummai Haruna, Head Teacher of the China-Assisted Model Primary School, expressed gratitude to the Chinese embassy on behalf of the pupils, teachers and the Parent-Teachers Association of the school, saying, “I wish to most sincerely appreciate the Chinese Government for supporting Nigeria’s dream of improving the standard of education in the country through our prestigious school.
“At commencement of the school in 2011, we had a population of 85 pupils. Presently, the school’s population is 467 pupils, comprising of 335 pupils in the primary section and 112 pupils in Early Child Care Development Section.
“This shows that there has been significant growth, yet, I assure you that the standard of the school has remained qualitative and top-notch.”
(NAN).
