The Chinese language, Mandarin, has been approved as one of the international languages to be offered in senior secondary schools across Nigeria under the newly reviewed curriculum.
The announcement was made on Tuesday by the Education Secretary of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), Dr. Danlami Hayyo, during the inauguration of the Chinese Corner at Government Secondary School, Tudun Wada, Abuja.
The project was sponsored by China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) as part of its corporate social responsibility.
Dr. Hayyo noted that the FCT had shown foresight by introducing Mandarin in its schools years before the nationwide curriculum review. He described the inclusion as “a wise move,” stressing that Mandarin, spoken by over a billion people globally, has become the language of commerce, education, and tourism.
With the Tudun Wada centre, Abuja now has 14 Chinese Corners established across secondary schools in the city. According to Hayyo, the initiative has enhanced cultural exchange between Nigeria and China, provided students opportunities for higher education in China, and offered teachers capacity-building programmes abroad.
Speaking on behalf of FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, Hayyo commended the Chinese government and embassy for their support, describing the partnership as a bridge of friendship between both nations.
Chinese Counselor Yang Jianxing said the Chinese Corners, established 12 years ago in collaboration with the FCT Secondary Education Board, have become a “bridge narrowing the hearts of young people from both countries.” He pledged continued support for educational and cultural exchanges under China–Nigeria cooperation.
Director of the FCT Secondary Education Board, Dr. Muhammed Ladan, said the initiative underscores the strength of bilateral relations, adding that the programme not only provides language resources and scholarship opportunities but also strengthens cultural and diplomatic ties.
