ABUJA, Aug. 19 (Xinhua) -- The Chinese government has offered 24 Nigerian students scholarship awards to pursue various degree programs in China, as the two countries seek to enhance educational exchanges and cooperation.
The scholarship is part of the China-Nigeria Bilateral Education Agreement (BEA).
Qin Jian, charge d'affaires of the Embassy of China in Nigeria, said at a pre-departure ceremony held for the beneficiaries in Abuja that education is one of the important areas of cooperation between the two countries.
"It is not only a demonstration of the close people-to-people exchanges between China and Nigeria, but also a great inspiration for deepening our bilateral exchange and cooperation in educational field in the future," Qin said late Thursday.
He urged the awardees to seize the opportunity to study hard while getting to know China well and enhance friendship.
"In an environment of different language, culture and life in China, I hope you will overcome any difficulties and challenges with courage, make full use of time, acquire professional knowledge, and strive for excellent results so as to live up to the expectations of your parents and your mother country," he added.
Nigeria's Permanent Secretary for Information Ayotunde Adesugba expressed gratitude to the Chinese government for extending another scholarship opportunity to excellent Nigerian students this year.
She said the consideration was well-appreciated by the government and people of the West African country.
Currently, about 237 Nigerian students are studying in China under government scholarship.
