STORY: China-built university project handed over to Nigeria
SHOOTING TIME: May 17, 2024
DATELINE: May 20, 2024
LENGTH: 00:01:35
LOCATION: Abuja
CATEGORY: EDUCATION

SHOTLIST:
1. various of the handover ceremony
2. SOUNDBITE (English): ZHANG YI, Charge d'affaires of Chinese embassy in Abuja
3. various of the Federal University of Transportation

STORYLINE:

A Chinese firm on Friday formally presented in Abuja to local authorities a key symbolizing construction project for Nigeria's first transportation university.

The project of Federal University of Transportation, in the country's northwestern state of Katsina, was funded and built by the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) Nigeria Ltd., to support the Nigerian government's efforts to produce qualified workforce capable of managing railway facilities across the country.
   
At the handover ceremony, Nigerian Minister of Transportation Saidu Alkali commended the CCECC for the "marvelous undertaking in support of educational development in Nigeria," praising the new university for its "unique form, standard, and structure."
   
The project marks a significant milestone in modern transportation in Nigeria, and stands as a testament to the strong partnership between China and Nigeria, noted Zhang Yi, charge d'affaires of the Chinese embassy in Abuja.

SOUNDBITE (English): ZHANG YI, Charge d'affaires of Chinese embassy in Abuja
"The establishment of this university also aligns with China's commitment to supporting African countries to establishing five transportation universities and facilitate infrastructure connectivity and economic integration in Africa."
   
Construction of the university began in late 2019 and was completed early this year. About 600 students were admitted to the school, the university's vice-chancellor Adam Katsayal said.

Xinhua News Agency correspondents reporting from Abuja.
(XHTV)