Pride Of Africa Awards

Chinazaekpere Ugochinyere Ibeakamma

Company:
Zhejiang Normal University
Profession:
PhD Candidate/ Research Assistant, African Institute / Cultural Ambassador
Country Base:
China
City:
Jinhua
Nationality:
Nigeria

I am a PhD Candidate in Comparative Education at Zhejiang Normal University and a Research Assistant at the African Institute. My work focuses on bridging Africa and China through academic collaboration, cultural exchange programs, and media engagement/documentaries.

Since arriving in China in 2016 for my bachelor’s degree, I have actively contributed to fostering Africa-China educational relations. As a Research Assistant under Associate Professor Ehizuelen Michael Mitchell Omoruyi, I played a key role in establishing a university exchange program between the University of Ibadan (Nigeria) and Zhejiang Normal University’s African Institute.

I have contributed to developing four academic programs in Nigeria:

 Master’s in Chinese Contemporary Studies (University of Nigeria, Nsukka)

 Master’s in Chinese Development Studies (University of Ibadan)

 Institute of Sinology and African Studies (University of Port Harcourt)

 Africa-China Vocational Studies (Kaduna)

I have been honored with the Outstanding International Student Award at my institution on three different occasions and the Academic Excellence Award for Nigerian Students in Jinhua and a three time Chinese Government Scholarship awardee. I have also been featured in multiple documentaries that amplify African voices in Africa-China relations, including collaborations with People’s Daily and other media outlets. A People’s Daily documentary I featured in as the main character, won a national and provincial award as an outstanding work by foreigners.

As a Cultural Ambassador, I actively promote cross-cultural understanding through various initiatives:

 Conducting educational sessions that challenge stereotypes and foster deeper engagement between African and Chinese students.

 Leading cultural exchange programs at Zhejiang Normal University, Shanghai University of Finance and Economics, and other institutions to introduce Chinese students to African culture.

Through these efforts, I have been honored with the Excellent Award for Cultural Performance on three different occasions in recognition of my contributions to cultural exchange and artistic showcases.

Beyond media and education, I engaged in organizing high-level diplomatic discussions, including the China-Abuja Forum, which brings together African leaders and Chinese officials for policy dialogues. I am also involved in expanding academic collaborations between Zhejiang Normal University’s Institute of African Studies and SOAS University of London.

I am honored to be nominated for the Pride of Africa Asia Pacific Awards 2025 and remain committed to fostering impactful Africa-Asia engagement