Nigerian students studying at the Tianjin University of Technology and Education in China have expressed delight at the massive technological equipment which have enabled them to acquire knowledge in engineering through practicals.
The university works in collaboration with the Luban Workshop to fabricate materials for industrial use.
The Luban project has been a significant part of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) with workshops scattered around the world including Nigeria to train people in technology science and innovation and vocational skills in developing countries.
Speaking to LEADERSHIP on her experience during a visit of a team of foreign journalists to the school, a 300 level Nigerian student at the Luban University, Victoria Kenechukwu, said the institution is noted for its practical knowledge.
The student who is studying Mechanical Engineering under the Confucius Scholarship scheme, said, “They have the facilities, which are very good. When you are learning and you are doing the practicals, it makes you know what you are learning and not just theories.”
Another Nigerian student, Chinasa Nwachukwu, studying for a Master’s Degree in Vehicle Engineering, noted that her experience in the Chinese university has been filled with immense knowledge of technology and its application especially in her discipline.
The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) which was unveiled in 2013 by Chinese President Xi Jinping is set to mark its 10th-year anniversary in Beijing, the Chinese capital this October 2023, with tremendous achievements in investment in infrastructure development by Chinese firms in Nigeria and across the world over the years.
The initiative also captures other sectors such as technological education, innovation and exchanges between China and the rest of the world.
China’s proposal to build a silk road economic belt and 21st century maritime silk road in collaboration with related countries was motivated by the desire of President Xi Jinping for interconnectivity and shared prosperity for a greater future.
Since Nigeria and China established diplomatic relations in February 1971, both sides have maintained cordial relations as Nigeria currently is China’s third largest trading partner in Africa and China being Nigeria’s largest source of imports.
