The Chinese language, Mandarin, is set to become a prominent fixture in Nigeria’s senior secondary education landscape.
In a significant development for linguistic and cultural exchange, Mandarin Chinese has officially been integrated into the curriculum for senior secondary schools across Nigeria. This strategic inclusion follows a recent comprehensive review of the national curriculum, aimed at broadening educational horizons and fostering global competencies among Nigerian youth.
The announcement was made on Tuesday by Dr. Danlami Hayyo, the Secretary of Education for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), during the inauguration of the 14th Chinese Corner at Government Secondary School, Tudun Wada, Abuja.
These Chinese Corners, established through corporate social responsibility initiatives, such as the one sponsored by China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC), serve as vital hubs for learning Mandarin and experiencing Chinese culture. Dr. Hayyo proudly stated, “May I inform you that in the recent review of our curriculum, the Chinese language has been selected as one of the international languages to offer in senior secondary schools.”
He emphasized the strategic importance of this move, noting, “Chinese Mandarin has the largest number of speakers in the world, and today it has become the language of commerce, education, and tourism. Our decision to delve into Chinese education and culture is a wise move.”
The inauguration marked a milestone, with the FCT now boasting 14 such centres, a testament to the growing educational ties between Nigeria and China. These corners have been instrumental in enhancing **educational and cultural exchange, providing students with a unique window into Chinese culture and opening doors for **further education opportunities in China.
Dr. Hayyo also highlighted the benefits extended to FCT teachers and staff through capacity-building programs in China, underscoring the FCT’s pioneering role in implementing this initiative nationwide.
The initiative is a product of strong bilateral relations, with the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria playing a crucial role. Mr. Yang Jianxing, Counsellor at the Chinese Embassy, remarked that the Chinese Corners serve as a “link connecting Chinese and Nigerian cultures, a bridge narrowing the hearts of young people from the two countries.”
This inclusion aligns with the Federal Government’s broader goal of making Nigerian learners “future-ready” and comes shortly after the NERDC confirmed the implementation of the revised curriculum starting in the **2025/2026 academic session**.
Furthermore, the Chinese Embassy recently bolstered this effort by donating **15 sets of Chinese language teaching materials and cultural books** to Nigerian secondary schools, demonstrating a continued commitment to fostering linguistic and cultural understanding.