Special bond exist between China, Nigeria: Chinses ambassador

JOS, Nigeria, March 20 (Xinhua) -- China and Nigeria, the two nations with biggest population and economies in their continents, has a special bond between them, Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria Zhou Pingjian said in central north city of Jos on Tuesday.

He spoke at a ceremony where he offered scholarships to 47 indigent students of the University of Jos.

Zhou said the gesture was aimed at solidifying the special bond between China and Nigeria, adding that the scholarships would further cement his country's friendship and cooperation with Nigeria.

The Ambassador promised to look into calls for more scholarships to needy students and fellowships for post-graduate students to boost the standard of education in the institution.

The ambassador advised Nigeria to pay special attention to education so as to arm the youths with the knowledge and capacities to make Nigeria a great nation.

"No nation can be great or happy if its youths are not happy. No nation can grow if the potentialities of its youths are not fully explored," he said.

Zhou also said both China and Nigeria were developing nations, saying that China was focused on eliminating absolute poverty by 100 percent in 2020.

Earlier, the Vice Chancellor of the University, Sebastian Maimako, thanked the Chinese ambassador for the fellowship, saying the gesture would deepen the relationship between the institution and China.

He also called for more exchange programs and special grants for researches toward finding solutions to issues affecting humanity.

Seven students living with disabilities were among the beneficiaries of the Chinese fellowship. Enditem