The Confucius Institute at the University of Lagos (CI,UNILAG), on Monday, 5 October 2026, celebrated the National Days of Nigeria and China together with the Mid-Autumn Festival, marking the 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
The event brought together University Management, the Chinese Consulate General in Lagos, Chinese enterprise representatives, teachers, students and members of the Chinese community in a colourful showcase of cultural exchange and Chinese language education achievements.
Themed “Nigeria-China National Days & Mid-Autumn Festival Cultural Exchange,” the event also showcased the achievements of Chinese language education at the Institute. Both countries celebrate their national days on October 1, and this year also marks the 77th anniversary of the People’s Republic of China, the 66th anniversary of Nigeria’s independence and the 55th anniversary of China-Nigeria diplomatic relations.
In her welcome address, the Chinese Director of the Institute, Professor Wu Shuang, described the occasion as especially meaningful. She noted that it coincided with the 55th anniversary of China-Nigeria diplomatic ties and the Year of China-Africa People-to-People Exchanges.
Professor Shuang expressed gratitude to the Chinese Consulate General in Lagos, the Hong Kong Guangdong Chinese Enterprise Association, Hua Xin Art Troupe and other partners for their continued support. She announced the recognition of the winners of the Institute’s first Chinese Handwriting Competition and the first “Telling Nigerian Stories in Chinese Language” Short Video Competition, revealing that 25 finalists had used the Chinese language to share Nigerian food, drinks, museums, transportation, customs, challenges and dreams.
She expressed the hope that the competition would become an annual event so that more Nigerian students could present their culture to Chinese audiences.
On his part, the Nigerian Director of Confucius Institute, Professor Obi Iwagwu, expressed his gladness at the participants’ turnout and highlighted the significance of both countries’ National Days falling on October 1.
Prof. Iwagwu stressed that telling Nigerian stories in Chinese would help correct long-standing misrepresentations of Africa, and enable Chinese audiences to understand Nigerian culture better. He thanked the sponsors for supporting scholarships and making it possible for the students to be awarded. He confirmed that the competitions would now be held yearly.
Representing the Vice-Chancellor, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Management Services), Professor Muyiwa Falaiye, recalled that he was present at the founding of the Confucius Institute 18 years earlier and had later served as its Director.
As a former Director, he recalled its early struggles and praised its growth into what he described as one of the best in the world. He called for continued cultural reciprocity, urging Chinese residents in Nigeria to learn Nigerian languages and culture.
Also speaking, the Acting Consul General of China in Lagos, Mr Wang Yue, expressed sincere gratitude to the University of Lagos for its long-standing support of the Institute. He cited three landmark figures: the 77th anniversary of the People’s Republic of China, the 66th anniversary of Nigeria’s independence, and the 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations.
Mr Yue highlighted major Chinese-supported projects in Nigeria, including the Lekki Deep Sea Port, the Lagos-Ibadan Railway and the Lagos Light Rail Blue Line. He linked the Mid-Autumn Festival’s themes of reunion and harmony to the shared aspirations of the peoples of both countries.
Lions, silk and swords
The cultural segment began with a thrilling lion dance performance by the Nigeria Hua Xin Art Troupe, titled “Auspicious Lions Celebrate the Double Festival.” The colourful lions leapt, swayed and danced energetically to the lively rhythm of drums and cymbals, drawing sustained cheers and applause from the packed audience as they ushered in the celebration of both National Days and the Mid-Autumn Festival.
Next came “Timeless Chinese Elegance,” a traditional costume show that took the audience on a journey through Chinese history. Students walked the stage in flowing robes representing the Tang dynasty, described as elegant, graceful and magnificent. They were followed by the simple and refined styles of the Song dynasty and the gorgeous Ming dynasty. The modern Yunzi style closed the show with bright colours and a unique flair.
The second segment brought the stage alive with a Nigeria-China cultural fusion dance. It blended the rhythms of both countries in a lively display that captured the spirit of the evening’s theme, “Nigeria and China Moving Forward Together.”
Thereafter, a choir thrilled the audience with heartfelt renditions of “My Chinese Heart” and the celebratory “Today Is Your Birthday,” in which the singers’ voices carried the warmth of the friendship between both countries.
The final segment opened with “The Spirit of Tai Chi,” a graceful sword and fan showcase in which performers moved with calm precision, flashing blades and fluttering fans.
The Institute’s teachers then raised the roof with a grand choir performance of “My Motherland and Me,” a rousing rendition that brought the audience to its feet.
Winners take the spotlight
The high point of the celebration was the presentation of awards. Outstanding students of the 2026 mid-year HSK (Chinese proficiency test) and winners of the 2026 Hard-Pen Calligraphy Competition from the primary to the tertiary levels were honoured on stage with certificates of recognition for their achievements.
The main attraction, however, was the Short-Video Competition, the first of its kind at the Institute, in which 25 finalists used the Chinese language to share Nigerian food, museums, customs, challenges and dreams.
The winners, who received their awards from the Directors of the Institute and representatives of the Vice-Chancellor and sponsors, were:
- First Prize (short-term study tour in China and a certificate): Tiamiyu Adam Adedeji and Ogala Peace Onyinyechi.
- Second Prize (₦200,000 and a certificate): Omoleye Deborah Oluwapelumi and Akeju Mary.
- Third Prize (₦100,000 and a certificate): Igboeli Emmanuel, Adeleke Adetomiwa Azeezat and Michael Olajide Promise.
- Outstanding Creative Award (₦50,000 and a certificate): Eddie-Jones Precious Uchechukwu, Odibei Bridget Ifeanyi, Okoye Rosemary Oluchukwu, Oluyemi Marvellous Eritobiloba and Okurumeh Oghenemraye.
- Outstanding Speaking Award (₦50,000 and a certificate): Ekwuenechi Jefferson O., Obielozie Lindaline Chiamaka, Abraham Praise, Shoyinka Temitope Ifeoluwa and Augusta Ebuo.
As the winners posed with their prizes before cheering guests, the Institute reaffirmed its commitment to making the short-video competition an annual feature of its cultural calendar. The event closed with expressions of appreciation to all sponsors, guests and participants. Through the day’s speeches, performances and awards, the Confucius Institute reaffirmed its role as a platform for friendship, mutual understanding and cooperation between Nigeria and China.
Report: Lynda Onah
Photograph: Ayo Oloyede
