The Confucius Institute at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) has held a heartfelt farewell ceremony in honour of its first Chinese Deputy Director, Professor Zhou Guiping, who served the Institute from August 2023 to August 2025. The ceremony was held at the Confucius Institute, located within the Central Classroom Block on Tuesday, August 26, 2025,
Professor Su Zibo, the Chinese Director of the Institute expressed his deep appreciation to Professor Zhou for her dedication, resilience, and passion throughout her tenure.
He acknowledged her instrumental role as one of the pioneers of the Confucius Institute at KNUST and commended her unwavering contributions, which have been pivotal in advancing the Institute’s success.
Professor Daniel Duah, Dean of the International Programmes Office and the Ghanaian Director of the Confucius Institute, reflected on the Institute’s journey. He recounted the early discussions and groundwork towards establishing the Confucius Institute. He highlighted his initial collaboration with Professors Min Zuchuan and Cai Xiaohui, after which Professor Zhou and Professor Su joined the team and played instrumental roles in transforming the vision into reality.
Professor Duah praised Professor Zhou’s passion for China, Ghana, and the Confucius Institute, describing her resilience and outstanding contributions as central to positioning the Confucius Institute at KNUST as a unique and top-tier centre of excellence. He extended his best wishes and reassured her that the doors of KNUST, the International Programmes Office, and the Confucius Institute would always remain open to her.
The ceremony also featured tributes from Mr. Eric Oti-Atta, Deputy Head of the KNUST Basic School; Professor Gao Zijuan, Ms. Cai Lui Yi, Ms. He Jing, Mr. Samuel Sarpong, Mr. Daniel Antwi Owusu, and Mr. Daniel Adzinyo from the Confucius Institute, as well as Mrs. Evelyn Safowaa Asante and Ms. Ernestine Oheneba Danso from the International Programmes Office.
They all joined in expressing their heartfelt appreciation for Professor Zhou’s exceptional service, commitment, and invaluable contributions to the growth and success of the Institute.
Professor Zhou Guiping expressed her deep gratitude to the leadership of Hubei University of Automotive Technology, KNUST, the directors and colleagues of the Confucius Institute for their support and collaboration.
She described her two-year tenure as an extraordinary and fulfilling chapter of her life, highlighting the friendships, growth, and collective achievements she experienced. Professor Zhou added that although she must say goodbye for now, the Confucius Institute will always hold a special place in her heart, and she wished the Institute continued growth and success in the years ahead.
