The Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambara State has broken a new academic record as it produces the first ever indigenous Professor of Chinese language in the country.

Daily Sun reports that Prof Ifeanyi Odinye, Head of the Department of Chinese Studies, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka has just been confirmed a professor of Chinese language in Nigeria and potentially in entire Africa continent.

Prof Odinye joined the university in 2005 where he served in various capacities especially teaching of the Chinese language in Nigeria, which started at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka in 2004.

The Initiative was driven by Prof. Ilochi Okafor (SAN), the then Vice-Chancellor, following a suggestion from the late Mr. Ike Mbaonu, a NAN staff with ties to China.

The Chinese Embassy’s visit in 2005, facilitated by Mr. Jiang Wenmin, resulted in the establishment of the Confucius Institute to teach Chinese language and culture.

Odinye, nominated by Prof. Ilochi Okafor, studied in China from 2005 to 2007, and in 2006, Chinese language and culture classes began at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, with Prof. Liu Guancai as the first foreign lecturer.

Odinye, proficient in Igbo, English, and Chinese languages succeeded Prof. Liu Guancai, becoming the first Nigerian indigenous Chinese lecturer. Subsequently, Mr. Zhang Jinping joined in 2008, and the first set of diploma students graduated in 2009.

The Confucius Institute was officially established in 2008, and Odinye served as its Acting Director until the arrival of Prof. Ji Nengwen in 2009.

In 2010, Odinye, after completing a doctorate in Chinese language from Xiamen University, returned to become the first Nigerian lecturer with a Ph.D. in Chinese language.

The 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.

Prof Odinye expressed gratitude to past Vice-Chancellors, particularly Prof. Ilochi Okafor, Prof. Boniface Egboka, and Prof. Joseph Ahaneku and commended the current Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Charles Esimone, for their supports and promotion.

He acknowledged the challenges of being the first Chinese language lecturer in Nigeria, including a lack of resources and the demanding workload. (Daily Sun)