UI Vice-Chancellor Advocates Mutual Respect And Shared Benefits In Nigeria-China Relations

The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, Professor Kayode O. Adebowale, mni, FAS, fspsp, has emphasized the need for interdependence, mutual respect, and shared benefits between Nigeria and China.

Professor Adebowale made this call at the Second Ibadan Forum themed “Convergence or Divergence? Africa’s Development in an Era of Global Partnership and Shared Destiny”, jointly organized by the Department of History, University of Ibadan, and the Institute of African Studies, Zhejiang Normal University, China.

He reaffirmed the University’s commitment to promoting intellectual collaboration between both nations through history-based research and dialogue, noting that such partnerships would shape Africa’s development agenda through shared knowledge and mutual respect.

The Vice-Chancellor urged participants to engage deeply and produce insights that could guide policymakers in redefining Africa’s global partnerships. He acknowledged that the Nigeria-China collaboration, which began in 2018, has strengthened through student exchanges and joint academic activities, while referencing the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) as frameworks for deeper cooperation.

Professor Adebowale commended the Department of History for its foresight in organizing what he described as a “significant intellectual gathering” to promote sustainable collaboration and inclusive growth.

Representing the Executive Governor of Oyo State, Engr. Seyi Makinde, FNSE, DSc, the Deputy Governor, Alhaji Abdulraheem Adebayo Lawal, delivered a keynote address. He highlighted China’s long-standing relationship with Africa since 1949 and noted that Chinese President Xi Jinping has consistently emphasized equality and partnership among nations.

He lauded China’s major investments in transportation, energy, and technology sectors across Africa, describing it as the continent’s largest infrastructure funder. He also recalled China’s vital support during the Ebola and COVID-19 outbreaks, which included the construction of over 130 health facilities across Africa.

The Dean, Faculty of Arts, Professor R. O. Olaniyi, praised the academic dialogue, stressing that both Nigeria and China are leading powers on their continents—Nigeria as Africa’s largest economy and China as a global industrial force. He described the partnership as “not optional but essential for mutual growth,” commending China’s increasing industrial influence and foreign direct investment in Nigeria.

He further explained that the UI–Zhejiang partnership extends beyond academics to include culture, technology, and people-to-people diplomacy.

Also speaking, the Deputy Director of the Institute of African Studies at Zhejiang Normal University, Professor Xu Wei, expressed delight at participating in the forum, noting that its theme reflected key issues around finance, advocacy, and innovation. She encouraged participants to promote knowledge and build a stronger African scholarly community.

The forum brought together scholars, diplomats, and students from both Nigeria and China to foster educational, cultural, and developmental collaborations.