The Chinese government has urged Nigerian youths to embrace language acquisition and cultural exchange programmes as pathways to expanding global opportunities and strengthening bilateral relations, as students of Nnamdi Azikiwe University emerged top performers at the 19th Chinese Bridge competitions in Abuja.
The call was made at the Nigeria Division of the Chinese Bridge Chinese Proficiency Competition for Secondary School Students and the Inter-University Chinese Language Competition held at the China Cultural Centre in Abuja, an event that brought together students, diplomats, educators and cultural stakeholders nationwide.
The competitions formed part of activities marking the 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Nigeria and China, as well as the China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges.
Representing the Chinese Embassy and the China Cultural Centre in Nigeria, Yang Jianxing said the competition remains a vital platform for fostering mutual understanding and strengthening cultural ties between both countries.
He commended Nigerian students for embracing Mandarin studies, describing their efforts as a demonstration of courage, openness and global awareness.
“Language remains a powerful bridge between cultures,” Yang said, noting that participants were not only learning a foreign language but also contributing to the strengthening of Nigeria-China relations.
He also praised the Confucius Institutes at University of Lagos and Nnamdi Azikiwe University for their contributions to expanding Chinese language education in Nigeria, adding that their work has helped boost interest in Mandarin among young learners.
Speaking on the theme “One World, One Family,” Yang said the competition reflects a shared vision of cooperation, harmony and intercultural understanding, urging participants to continue serving as informal ambassadors of friendship between both nations.
Students from the Confucius Institute at Nnamdi Azikiwe University recorded a clean sweep in both the secondary school and university categories.
In the secondary school category, Micheal Uchechi Justina emerged winner with 95.2 points, followed by Umezurike Favour Chinaetugo in second place with 90.6 points, and Okoye Chikadibia Faith in third with 72.6 points.
In the university category, Emmanuel Faith Mba Orjiugo took first place with 94 points, while Onyeocha Cecilea Ugochi and Okeke Jessica Chinemerem placed second and third with 82.7 and 79.9 points respectively.
The Permanent Secretary of the Federal Capital Territory Education Secretariat, Joy Okeke, described the competition as evidence of sustained educational collaboration between Nigeria and China, noting its role in promoting mutual development through academic and cultural exchange.
In her virtual address, Prof. Wushuang, Director of the Confucius Institute at the University of Lagos, said the Chinese Bridge programme extends beyond language proficiency to include confidence-building, personal development and international exposure for young participants.
Director-General of the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN), Mohammed Bulama, said growing interest in Mandarin reflects the deepening relationship between Nigeria and China across diplomacy, trade, education and culture.
He called for expanded partnerships to strengthen Chinese language education in Nigerian institutions, noting that FRCN, in collaboration with the Chinese Embassy and the China Cultural Centre, continues to promote Mandarin learning through the “Ni Hao China” programme.
President of the Society of Nigerian Artists, Muhammad Suleiman, described the event as a celebration of cultural diversity and mutual understanding, adding that it highlights the role of cultural diplomacy in strengthening people-to-people ties.
Organisers said the annual Chinese Bridge competition remains a key platform for Nigerian students to acquire language skills, access scholarship opportunities and participate in global academic and cultural exchanges.
