The People’s Republic of China has generously donated 500 books and one million naira to KWASU.  The presentation was made during a visit of the Vice-Chancellor and the Chair of the Governing Council to the Chinese Embassy last week.  The Ambassador, his Excellency Deng Boqing, presented the books and funds to enhance educational cooperation and mutual understanding between China and Nigeria.  In particular, the funds will be used to facilitate the establishment of the Institute for Asian Studies and the Chinese language and culture program at KWASU.  The Ambassador and the Embassy’s Culture Counselor, Shan Baoxiang, were enthusiastic about KWASU’s plans to promote Chinese language and culture and indicated they would provide their assistance as KWASU moves forward with its programmes.

KWASU is planning to establish an Institute of Asian Studies, which will serve as an African regional centre under the auspices of UNESCO. Among the Institute’s goals is fostering deeper understanding of Asia as a continent, in all its diversity and complexity, including an understanding of:

o   the rich cultural and religious heritage of Asia, including how Asian cultures have adhered to ancient practices and traditional values

o   the impact of Asian cultural influences in Africa

o   the historic links between Africa and Asia, and how colonial domination by the West has resulted in the estrangement of Africa and Asia until recent times

o   the models of development pursued by Asian countries, which has led to their transformation into leading economic and technological powers, and

o   the extensive and expanding economic impact that Asian countries have had on the African continent.

Vice-Chancellor, AbdulRasheed Na’Allah, in expressing his delight and gratitude for the gift, indicated that KWASU hopes to begin Chinese language study as soon as possible.  The Director of the Centre for Innovation and International Studies, Nancy Hannemann, who received the books in Ilorin, said, “The books are a reminder of the beauty and complexity of China’s history and culture; they are a true inspiration to learn more about this great civilization.”