The Confucius Institute at the University of N'Djamena in Chad celebrated its sixth anniversary on November 5, 2026, with a ceremony featuring cultural performances and the awarding of scholarships to outstanding students. The event was attended by several dignitaries, including Chinese Ambassador to Chad Wang Xining, Secretary General of the Ministry of Higher Education, Research, and Professional Training Nourein Souleymane Nourein, and University of N'Djamena Vice President Toutloum Aman.
The ceremony showcased Chinese culture through traditional songs, dance performances, and a dragon dance, which captivated the audience of teachers, students, and parents. Since its inception, the Confucius Institute has aimed to promote Chinese language and culture in Chad. Over the years, its activities have expanded, with a significant increase in the number of learners.
The University of N'Djamena's Chinese department, which initially had around 30 students, now has 80 new registrations for the current academic year. The Institute has four full-time classes, accommodating over 170 students. In addition to these programs, weekend courses and specialized agricultural programs, such as wheat and maize cultivation, are offered.
Chinese Ambassador to Chad Wang Xining praised the Institute's progress and reaffirmed China's commitment to supporting Chadian youth. He noted that the scholarship amount and number of beneficiaries have increased this year to encourage academic excellence. University of N'Djamena Vice President Toutloum Aman welcomed the Institute's evolution and diversification of activities.
Aman emphasized the importance of combining Chinese language learning with practical skills, particularly in agriculture, to address Chad's development and food security challenges. He also commended the Institute's expansion to five teaching institutions outside the university campus.
Secretary General of the Ministry of Higher Education Nourein Souleymane Nourein described the Confucius Institute as a "solid educational and cultural bridge" between Chad and China. He highlighted the opportunities that learning Chinese offers to young Chadians, including translation, higher education in China, and job placement with Chinese companies in Chad.
The ceremony concluded with the awarding of 2025 ABF scholarships and distinctions to top students. Two Chadian teachers were also recognized for their excellence and contribution to promoting Chinese language education in Chad. The event demonstrated the growing importance of Chinese culture and language in Chad's education system.
Key points
- The Confucius Institute has expanded its activities to five teaching institutions outside the university campus.
- The Institute offers specialized agricultural programs, including wheat and maize cultivation.
- The scholarship amount and number of beneficiaries have increased to encourage academic excellence.
