Benin to get first group of Chinese language graduates

The first group of Beninese students at Abomey Calavi University to get their professional degree in Chinese language will graduate at the end of this academic year, the director of Benin's Confucius Institute Dr. Julien Segbo has revealed.

Speaking during celebrations to mark Chinese Spring Festival at Abomey Calavi campus, the largest public university in Benin, Segbo said the professional degree in Chinese language will enable graduates to get job opportunities.

"Many of our students, even before getting their degree in Chinese language, have already been employed by Chinese businesses operating in Benin and in the sub-region," he said.

He revealed that the Confucius Institute at Abomey Calavi University had received authorization to start training Chinese language instructors who will teach in other colleges and secondary schools.

Besides Abomey Calavi University, other Beninese public universities and colleges are seeking authorization to start teaching Chinese language.

"Through the training of Chinese language in Benin, we will be able to reinforce Sino-Benin cooperation," Segbo said.

Confucius Institute at Abomey Calavi University was established in March 2009 in collaboration with Jiao Tong University to promote the learning of Chinese language and culture in Benin.

It equally aims to disseminate Chinese technology and reinforce Sino-Benin relations. The lessons which are taught by both Beninese and Chinese lecturers, have seen excellent students sent to China to pursue their studies. Enditem