The inaugural ceremony of the Nigerian and Zimbabwean Alumni Associations of Jiangsu University for overseas education in China took place in the second lecture hall of the university's conference center on June 21st. The event was attended by Zou Xiaobo and Cai Yingfeng, members of the university's Party Committee and Vice President, Li Guohao, the Secretary-General of the Alumni Association, the Party and government leadership team of the Overseas Education College, as well as representatives of faculty and students.

Zou Xiaobo congratulated the establishment of the Nigerian and Zimbabwean Alumni Associations, expressing hope that it would create communication platforms and strengthen collaborations among alumni and their alma mater. He encouraged alumni in China and abroad to increase exchanges and collaborations to make greater contributions to their alma mater and China's educational initiatives.

Cai Yingfeng highlighted Jiangsu University’s focus on international education, especially in nurturing global talent in line with China's "Belt and Road" initiative. She called on alumni to back the university's sustainable development projects and motivated international students to leverage their skills to bolster infrastructure projects and strengthen connectivity between Jiangsu University and overseas institutions.

Wang Limin, Secretary of the Party Branch at the Overseas Education College provided an update on the preparations for establishing alumni associations in Nigeria and Zimbabwe. The goal of the Alumni Association is to create a platform for communication and exchange among alumni, enhance alumni services, and improve the quality of alumni engagement in China.

Li Guohao officially announced the establishment of Jiangsu University’s Alumni Association branches in Nigeria and Zimbabwe, and then issued appointment letters to their President and Vice President online.

Subsequently, PhD graduates Bashir Adegbemiga Yusuf and Takuriramunashe Famba were appointed as presidents of the Nigerian and Zimbabwean Alumni Association, respectively. They outlined the associations' visions and plans in their speeches.

The presidents of alumni associations in India, Pakistan, and Ghana congratulated the newly appointed leaders online, believing that Jiangsu University will perpetually serve as a home for its alumni. Furthermore, they urged the alumni to share the "story of Jiangsu University" and encourage camaraderie between China and their own.

(OEC)