The data derived from The Pie News revealed a 258% increase in the rate between 2011 and 2017 of African students migrating to China for academic pursuits. The report showed that the international students who successfully earned a spot in various universities in China are from lower-middle-income countries such as Nigeria.
Statistics from China admission showed that 6,845 Nigerian students were studying in China as of 2019 and 512 of them were on Chinese government scholarships. The Year 2020 recorded that 6,659 Africans enrolled in Chinese institutions, giving a total of 46% international students in the province.
In the absence of post-pandemic figures for African enrolments in Chinese institutions, China Cooperation on Talent and Development has planned to commence various initiatives designed to boost education ties to spur the growth of African students in Chinese universities and colleges.
In line with the initiatives, degree courses taught in English and tailor-made courses will be introduced for African students to learn both Chinese language and vocational skills. Also, the Chinese government planned to add more initiative programs which include
- The China-Africa Universities 100 Cooperation Plan.
- 10 pilot exchange programs of China-Africa partner institutes, to support the continent in strengthening education and innovation.
A report revealed that Nigerian students show less interest in studying in the UK. According to official statistics, the number of applicants from Nigeria has declined by a staggering 46 percent, more than any other country in the period of student migration under review.
However, experts believe the increase in Chinese investments in Africa has sparked and fastened a keen interest among African youths in learning the Chinese language and traveling to China for academic purposes.
