Update on Two Chinese Schools Orji Uzor Kalu Sent Three Nigerians To Study
By Duke Chinedu Imandu
Recently, the story of Senator Orji Uzor Kalu sending three constituents from Abia North to Chinese universities for postgraduate studies was all over the internet. I decided to research the institutions based on their local and global rankings, quality of education and standard of the infrastructure, compared to Nigeria’s best universities’ global rankings.
Just to set the baseline, the two schools are:
- Zhejiang Normal University, Jinhua, where Sunny O. Idika, from Ohafor Ward, Ohafia LGA, and Kingsley Onwukwe Orji, from Igbere Ward A, Bende LGA, will be undertaking their MBA programmes.
- Beijing University of Chemical Technology (BUCT), where Emmanuel Iheakachukwu Odoemelam, from Eziama Agbo Ward, Nneato, Umunneochi LGA, will undertake Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry.
But here is what got me curious: just how good are these Chinese universities? Are we talking about backyard degree awarding institutions or legitimate universities that will actually add value to these students’ lives? I mean, anyone can send someone abroad, we have seen many of these and how some turned out.
So I did what any curious person would do. I went down the rabbit hole of university rankings and these are what I found out.
School 1: Zhejiang Normal University (ZJNU)
Zhejiang Normal University (ZJNU) is a comprehensive university in Jinhua, China, with a strong focus on teacher education, humanities, and international collaboration. The university’s academic standards are supported by its research output and a diverse range of undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs. In China, ZJNU is considered a strong provincial-level university.
The Numbers Don’t Lie.
Here is where things get interesting. In China, a country with over 3,000 universities, ZJNU ranks 55th nationally according to the U.S. News & World Report 2024-2025. That is like being in the top 2% of all Chinese universities.
Globally, this university sits comfortably within the top 800 worldwide, with Times Higher Education placing it in the 601-800 range and U.S. News ranking it 451st globally. Now, before you think 451st doesn’t sound that impressive, the International Association of Universities (IAU): The IAU’s World Higher Education Database (WHED) provides authoritative information on approximately 19,800 accredited higher education institutions in 196 countries. This is one of the most comprehensive figures available. The Center for World University Rankings (CWUR) states that over 21,000 institutions were evaluated for its 2025 rankings, with the top 2,000 making the published list. Let me further put this in clearer perspective for you.
The Nigerian Reality Check.
Our universities in Nigeria are very good, and provide quality education, but for those who will come to me to brag, saying things like “why not sponsor them to our universities? Our universities are better. bla-bla-bla.” Well, here is a reality check that might sting a little. Nigeria’s top university, according to available global ratings, Covenant University, ranks between 801-1000 globally in the Times Higher Education rankings (the same body that ranked ZJNU 601-800). The University of Ibadan, our academic giant, sits in the 1001-1200 range according to QS World University Rankings 2026.
So, the beneficiaries of OUK’s scholarship are heading to a university that literally outranks every single Nigerian university.
Subject-Specific Excellence.
More interesting is that ZJNU isn’t just good overall, it is exceptional in specific areas. According to Essential Science Indicators, the university’s Chemistry, Physics, Engineering, Materials Science, Environment/Ecology, Computer Science, and Mathematics departments all rank in the top 1% globally.
Internationally Positioned
Here is something that really caught my attention: ZJNU hosts about 3,000 international students. That’s a proper international community, not just a handful of foreigners feeling lost on campus. The university has partnerships with over 280 institutions across 60+ countries. This means our guys won’t just be getting a Chinese education, they will be getting a truly global experience.
School 2: Beijing University of Chemical Technology (BUCT).
Now We Are Talking Serious Business.
While I was still amazed by the choice of ZJNU, Beijing University of Chemical Technology (BUCT) absolutely blew my mind. This is not just a good university, this is what the Chinese consider a national treasure.
The Elite Club Membership.
BUCT is part of China’s “211 Project,” “985 Project Innovation Platforms,” and “Double First-Class University Project.” Think of these as China’s way of saying “these are our absolute best universities, and we’re putting all our resources behind them.” It is like being part of an exclusive club that only the academic elite get into.
Global Rankings.
The numbers here are even more impressive. QS World University Rankings 2026 places BUCT at 697 globally, while Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings puts it in the 401-500 band. But here’s the kicker; in Chemical Engineering specifically, BUCT ranks 6th globally. Sixth! In the entire world!
For Emmanuel, who is pursuing his PhD in Organic Chemistry, he has not just gone to any university, he has gone to one of the world’s absolute best in his field.
BUCT AS A Research Powerhouse.
The research credentials are mind-blowing. In 2023 alone, BUCT secured research funding worth CNY 120 million and obtained 637 patents. They have two National Key Laboratories, multiple academicians from China’s top scientific academies, and over 2,600 faculty members including 780 full professors and associate professors.
This is the kind of environment where breakthroughs happen, where cutting-edge research takes place, and where a young Nigerian chemist can genuinely contribute to global scientific advancement.
What This Really Says About OUK.
Now, to be honest, when our politicians send people abroad for studies, it is often more about the optics than the actual education. But this is different. OUK didn’t just send these young people to anyhow universities. He sent them to institutions that are genuinely world-class, that will genuinely transform their academic and professional trajectories.
The Homework That Was Done.
The level of research required to identify these specific universities, to understand their strengths, and to match students to appropriate programs suggests serious homework was done. This isn’t a “let’s just send them somewhere in China” decision. This is strategic, thoughtful, and genuinely focused on maximizing the educational impact.
This Is Pure Legislative Commitment in Action.
Here is what I find most impressive: OUK is using his position not just for political grandstanding, but for genuine human capital development. He is taking young people from rural wards, places like Ohafor, Igbere, and Eziama Agbo, and giving them access to education that rivals anything available anywhere in the world.
What OUK has done here sets a new standard for what constituency projects should look like. He is investing in human capital development at the highest possible level.
These are not just scholarships, they are investments in the future of Abia North and Nigeria. Emmanuel might return as a world-class chemist who advances pharmaceutical research in Nigeria. Sunny and Kingsley might become business leaders who understand global markets and bring international best practices home. Each of these scholars becomes a bridge between Nigeria and the global academic community. They become case studies for what is possible when political will meets strategic thinking.
My Final Thoughts.
What Senator Orji Uzor Kalu has done with these scholarships demonstrates a level of commitment to education that we rarely see from our elected officials. So, credit must be given to whom it is due.
This transcends party politics or regional loyalties. This is about recognising genuine commitment to human development. OUK didn’t just throw money at a problem, he researched solutions, identified world-class opportunities, and created life-changing possibilities for three young Nigerians.
From the desk of;
𝑪𝒐𝒎𝒓. 𝑫𝒖𝒌𝒆 𝑪. 𝑰.
In Abia North.