Nigerian and Korean students celebrate at a “friendship party” at JEI University, Incheon, on March 20. / Courtesy of Preye J. Ketebu-Brown

By John Redmond

A “friendship party” was held at JEI University, Incheon to promote youth relations and cultural ties between Korea and Nigeria on March 20.

“The Nigeria Vocational Training Program, at JEI University Incheon, coordinated by the International Education and Culture Centre and the office of the Special Adviser to the President of Nigeria on Niger-Delta Affairs holds great potential to promote lasting friendship and mutually beneficial relations between the youths of both countries,” stated a press release.

At the event held in the dormitory housing both Korean and Nigerian students the manager of the Nigeria students, Comrade Preye J. Ketebu-Brown, commended the Korean students for their show of brotherly love and their cooperation since the arrival of the Nigerian students early in March.

Also speaking at the party, Edmond Kim, desk manager for the Nigerian students at the Faculty of Education of the university charged students of both countries to continue to live as brothers and to exchange values of both cultures particularly in the area of language and academic productivity.

The students were bonded into friendship pairs ― one Nigerian to one Korean ― with each partner chosen by secret ballot.

The aim of the party was to break cultural barriers (language, customs, etc.) to promote friendship and mutual co-existence among students of both countries living in the same dormitory.

The highlight of the event was an instant “language speaking” competition. Mr. Given Chibuke Igbani won best attempt at Korean while Mr. Hyum Hyum won best attempt at English (Nigeria’s official Language).

The current session of the Nigerian Vocational Training Program will run through December 2012. As part of the program the Nigerian students will also train in taekwondo, learn Korean and be exposed to Korean culture.

The Nigerian Vocational Training Program is part of a massive foreign scholarship program for Nigerian youths as part of the Transformation Agenda of President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan GCFR.