- January 26, 2025
- Posted by: itmanager
- Category: International, Uncategorized, University
The Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD) community celebrated with vibrant colors, cultural displays, and a festivity of global unity as students, staff, and dignitaries gathered to mark the 2025 Chinese New Year.
The event, held on Saturday, January 25, 2025, showcased a fusion of Chinese traditions—from songs rendered in Mandarin to dramatic performances, Kung Fu displays, and an array of Chinese cuisine. All these and many more were brought to life by the talented ABUAD students, prepared by their dynamic Chinese teacher- Mrs. Chiamaka Joy Orosue.
The Chinese New Year, which follows the lunar calendar and typically falls between January 21 and February 20, will officially commence on Wednesday, January 29, 2025. This year, it is themed the “Year of the Snake,” symbolizing wisdom, adaptability, and transformation. ABUAD, however, chose to celebrate the festival ahead of time with unparalleled grandeur, as the Institution shall commence its 1st Semester 2024/2025 Exams on Monday, January 27, 2025.
In his address, the Founder and Chancellor of ABUAD, Aare Afe Emmanuel Babalola, SAN, underscored the university’s unique commitment to excellence and global relevance. He highlighted the pivotal decision to include Chinese and French languages in the university’s curriculum as a game-changer for its graduates from its very inception of academic activities in 2011.
“I want to tell the Chinese Consul General that we at ABUAD are special. I don’t know of any other university in Nigeria that celebrates the Chinese New Year. ABUAD is leading the way,” Aare Babalola said.
He further encouraged lecturers to embrace the opportunity to learn the Chinese language, promising tailored schedules to support their participation.
His wife, and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of ABUAD Ventures, Yeye Aare Modupe Babalola, FSM, FNIMN, FFPA, lauded the event’s cultural showcase, and urged attendees to seize the opportunities presented by ABUAD’s unique offerings, noting the global advantages of language acquisition.
“You never know where learning a language like Chinese might take you in the future,” she advised.
The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Elisabeta Smaranda Olarinde, in her New Year message, drew parallels between the symbolism of the Year of the Snake and ABUAD’s mission.
“The Snake represents wisdom, resilience, and transformation. Let us use this year to strengthen collaboration, foster understanding, and build bridges of shared purpose,” she said.
While relishing on her visit to China, the Vice–Chancellor said ABUAD signed key agreements with five renowned Chinese Institutions. These collaborations, according to her, reflect the Institution’s commitment to global excellence and underscore its vision of empowering students with international opportunities across continents.
Earlier, through a video message, the Consul General of the People’s Republic of China in Lagos, Yan Yuqing, commended ABUAD’s dedication to promoting Chinese language and culture, expressing optimism for deeper collaboration between ABUAD and China in the coming year.
“Therefore, I’m delighted to see ABUAD hosting this spring festival celebration event today, it shows your commitment to promoting China- Nigeria friendship, and highlights the vision of harmony of the cultures and our two nations” the Consul General added.
The event also featured notable Chinese delegates, including Prof. Zhao Hongling, the Chinese Director of the Confucius Institute at the University of Lagos (UNILAG); Prof. Obi Iwuagwu, Nigerian Director of the Confucius Institute (UNILAG); and Cheryl Wang, a Chinese language teacher.
The celebration reached its climax with the presentation of cash prizes and awards to outstanding individuals and cultural groups, further solidifying ABUAD’s commitment to promoting Chinese language and tradition.
This highlights ABUAD’s pivotal role in championing the global relevance of Mandarin through visionary leadership and forward-thinking initiatives.
FROM THE VC’s DESK