Since the resumption of diplomatic relations in 2003, the Chinese side has sponsored nearly 1,000 Liberian students to pursue degree programs in China.
By Lincoln G. Peters
Monrovia, December 6, 2024: Dozens of Liberian students have been awarded the Chinese Ambassador’s Scholarship to pursue Master’s degree studies in China.
The scholarship is awarded for excellent performance at various universities in Liberia.
The fully funded Chinese Ambassador’s scholarship was awarded at the Golden Gate Hotel in Paynesville, outside Monrovia.
Students from the University of Liberia, Cuttington University, Tubman University, and Bomi Community College were awarded the scholarship at the ceremony.
The program was graced by Dr. Al-Hassan Conteh, President of the University of Liberia, Dr. Olu Q. Menjay, President of William V.S. Tubman University, Dr. Zobong B. Norman, President of Bomi Community College, and Dr. Roosevelt G. Jayjay, Deputy Vice President for Academic Affairs of Cuttington University.
Also in attendance were Mr. Dexter S. Sumo, Ms. Zhou Hongzhuan, Director of the Confucius Institute, University of Liberia, staff of the Chinese Embassy in Liberia, and the scholarship recipients.
Remarking on the Program, the Chinese Ambassador to Liberia, H. E Yin Chengwu, deemed attending the Chinese Ambassador’s Scholarship Awarding Ceremony a great pleasure.
“First, let me extend my warmest congratulations to the scholarship winners,” said Amb. Yin.
“They are excellent students from the University of Liberia, Cuttington University, Tubman University, and Bomi Community College. I would like to give them a big thumbs-up,” he noted.
According to Amb. Yin, the Chinese Ambassador’s Scholarship is a great project that helps students complete their studies.
He added that since it was established in 2011, more than 1,000 outstanding Liberian students from various disciplines have been awarded this honor.
The Chinese Ambassador further indicated that the Scholarship has not only encouraged the students to study hard but has also made it easier for them to realize their dreams.
“I am also pleased to learn that it has enhanced their interests in learning the Chinese language and culture and sown the seeds of friendship between China and Liberia.”
“China-Liberian educational cooperation is a window of opportunity for Liberian students,” Amb. Yin stated.
He disclosed that since the resumption of diplomatic relations between China and Liberia in 2003, nearly 1,000 Liberian students have been sponsored by the Chinese side to pursue degree programs through different scholarships and other programs in China.
Also, he detailed that 2,000 plus have participated in short-term training programs.
The Chinese Envoy disclosed that many are now playing important roles in Liberia.
“In particular, I would commend the Confucius Institute’s efforts in this regard.”
In 2008, Amb. Yin recalled that China’s Changsha University of Science & Technology established the Confucius Institute at the UL in cooperation with the University of Liberia.
The institute has become another signature program of China-Liberia’s educational cooperation.
In a special remark, Acting UL President Dr. Al-Hassan Conteh expressed appreciation to the People’s Republic of China through its Embassy in Liberia for the scholarship.
“Ambassador Yin Chengwu, thank you and the Government and People of China for this scholarship opportunity to our youth.” “This is indeed great, but we want you to know that we are not surprised because we have always proven to be a strategic
