Abuja, Nigeria — In a groundbreaking move, the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has formally integrated Mandarin (Chinese language) into Nigeria’s secondary school curriculum. The announcement, which has stirred nationwide debate, was made by the Education Secretary of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Administration, Dr. Danlami Hayyo, during the commissioning of a new Chinese Corner at Government Secondary School, Tudun Wada, Abuja.
The development comes at a time when Nigeria’s economic, political, and cultural relations with China continue to deepen. Backed by the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC), this initiative aims to strengthen educational opportunities and prepare Nigerian students for global competitiveness.
Mandarin Officially Approved in Senior Secondary Curriculum
Dr. Hayyo confirmed that Mandarin has been added to the list of international languages in the recently reviewed national senior secondary curriculum.
“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 be taught in senior secondary schools,” he stated.
According to him, the FCT has long been ahead of other states in promoting Mandarin. The language, spoken by over 1.4 billion people globally, is becoming increasingly important in international trade, technology, tourism, and education.
Nigeria’s Expanding Network of Chinese Corners
The newly launched Chinese Corner in Tudun Wada is the 14th centre in FCT schools, designed to encourage cross-cultural learning and educational collaboration between Nigeria and China.
“The bilateral relationship has led to the establishment of 13 Chinese Corners before now, and today we are commissioning the 14th,” Dr. Hayyo explained.
He noted that Nigerian teachers have already participated in professional training programs in China, ensuring the smooth implementation of the initiative across schools.
On behalf of the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, he expressed appreciation to the Chinese government and embassy for their continued support of the scheme.
China’s Growing Cultural and Educational Footprint
Speaking at the event, Chinese Counsellor Yang Jianxing emphasized the importance of cultural exchange. He recalled the establishment of the first Chinese Corner in Abuja more than a decade ago and highlighted how it has become one of the most popular cultural learning hubs among Nigerian students.
“Over the past twelve years, this simple platform has grown into a bridge linking Chinese and Nigerian cultures. It connects young people from both countries and has become a symbol of mutual understanding,” he said.
Yang pledged China’s continued investment in Nigeria’s education, youth empowerment, and cultural exchange programs.
Opportunities and Concerns
The Director of the FCT Secondary Education Board, Dr. Muhammed Ladan, praised the initiative, noting that the centres not only promote language learning but also provide scholarship opportunities for Nigerian students to study in China.
“The first centre was established in 2013 at Government Secondary School, Garki. Since then, it has opened doors to academic and cultural opportunities that were previously unavailable,” he remarked.
However, critics have raised concerns about Nigeria’s growing reliance on China. With China already serving as Nigeria’s largest bilateral lender and a key player in massive infrastructure projects, some stakeholders fear that excessive dependence could overshadow local priorities.
Education experts have also argued that while Mandarin offers global advantages, the government should not neglect the revitalization of indigenous languages and the strengthening of Nigeria’s own educational system.
Why This Move Matters for Nigerian Students
Proponents of the policy stress that proficiency in Mandarin will:
1. Boost global competitiveness — Students with knowledge of Mandarin can access opportunities in international trade, diplomacy, and business.
2. Open scholarship doors — Partnerships with Chinese institutions mean more Nigerian youths can secure fully funded educational opportunities.
3. Promote cultural exchange — Learning Mandarin fosters mutual understanding between Nigeria and China.
4. Enhance job prospects — With Chinese companies employing thousands of Nigerians in construction, rail, and ICT sectors, the demand for bilingual workers is rising.
Conclusion
Nigeria’s decision to officially include Mandarin in its secondary school curriculum reflects both the opportunities and challenges of globalization. On one hand, it positions Nigerian youths to compete in the international job market; on the other, it raises valid concerns about the balance between embracing foreign influence and preserving local identity.
As the rollout begins nationwide, the success of this initiative will depend on how well Nigeria integrates Mandarin into its education system while also safeguarding and promoting its indigenous languages.
With China’s footprint expanding rapidly in Africa’s most populous nation, this policy marks another turning point in the evolving Nigeria-China partnership
