UNIZIK Produces First Indigenous Professor of Chinese Language in Nigeria
UNIZIK sets a new academic milestone by producing the first-ever indigenous Professor of Chinese language in Nigeria.
Mary Nwaeze 
In a historic achievement, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State, has set a new academic milestone by producing the first-ever indigenous Professor of Chinese language in Nigeria. Daily Sun reports that Professor Ifeanyi Odinye, the Head of the Department of Chinese Studies at the university, has been officially confirmed as a professor of Chinese language, marking a groundbreaking achievement not only for the institution but potentially for the entire African continent.
Prof. Odinye, who joined the university in 2005, has played a pivotal role in the development and promotion of Chinese language studies in Nigeria. The initiative was launched in 2004, following a suggestion from the late Mr. Ike Mbaonu, a NAN staff member with connections to China, and was driven by Prof. Ilochi Okafor (SAN), the then Vice-Chancellor.
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The establishment of the Confucius Institute in 2005, facilitated by the Chinese Embassy's visit, marked a significant turning point. Prof. Odinye, nominated by Prof. Ilochi Okafor, went on to study in China from 2005 to 2007. Chinese language and culture classes commenced in 2006, with Prof. Liu Guancai as the first foreign lecturer.
Proficient in Igbo, English, and Chinese languages, Odinye succeeded Prof. Liu Guancai, becoming the first Nigerian indigenous Chinese lecturer. The Confucius Institute was officially established in 2008, and Odinye served as its Acting Director until the arrival of Prof. Ji Nengwen in 2009.
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After completing a doctorate in Chinese language from Xiamen University in 2010, Odinye returned to Nnamdi Azikiwe University as the first Nigerian lecturer with a Ph.D. in Chinese language. The National Universities Commission (NUC) approved a Bachelor’s degree in Chinese Studies in 2014/2015, with Odinye appointed as the first coordinator of the Department of Chinese Studies.
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Prof. Odinye expressed gratitude to past Vice-Chancellors, particularly Prof. Ilochi Okafor, Prof. Boniface Egboka, and Prof. Joseph Ahaneku. He also commended the current Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Charles Esimone, for their unwavering support and promotion.
Despite facing challenges as the pioneer Chinese language lecturer in Nigeria, including a lack of resources and a demanding workload, Prof. Odinye's achievement marks a significant step forward in the academic landscape, showcasing the university's commitment to fostering linguistic diversity and international education.
The Nnamdi Azikiwe University's success in producing the first indigenous Professor of Chinese language highlights the institution's dedication to academic excellence and its role in shaping Nigeria's educational landscape.
