The Nigerian government is taking a bold step toward strengthening its partnership with China by expanding access to Chinese language education across the country. The move, officials say, is part of a broader strategy to deepen ties in trade, education, and cultural exchange with one of Nigeria’s most significant global partners.
Speaking at the International Chinese Language Day celebration in Abuja on Friday, Mrs. Larai Ahmed, Director of Education Support Services at the Federal Ministry of Education, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to promoting Chinese language learning in schools and universities nationwide.
“We see language not just as a means of communication, but as a bridge to deeper understanding and collaboration between nations,” Ahmed said. “Learning Chinese connects Nigerians to one of the world’s oldest and most influential civilizations. It opens doors in education, trade, and diplomacy.”
Ahmed highlighted that Mandarin Chinese, spoken by over 1.3 billion people globally, is becoming increasingly important in international affairs and commerce. For Nigeria, she noted, proficiency in the language represents more than linguistic skill — it’s a strategic advantage.
“As Nigeria continues to strengthen bilateral cooperation with China, especially in areas such as infrastructure, investment, and education, it is crucial that we equip our people with the tools to engage meaningfully,” she explained.
The initiative is already in motion. According to Ahmed, the China Cultural Centre established in Abuja in 2013 has become a hub for language instruction and cultural exchange. Additional centers are being considered in other parts of the country, and a plan is underway to integrate Chinese language programmes into selected Nigerian schools and tertiary institutions.
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“These programmes will not only enrich the academic experience of our students but also prepare them to thrive in a globalized world where China plays a major role,” she added.
The celebration also featured remarks from Mr. Liu Zhanping, Deputy Director of the China Cultural Centre in Nigeria. He described Chinese Language Day as a tribute to the beauty, depth, and resilience of the Chinese language and its cultural heritage.
“Each Chinese character is like a painting,” Liu said. “It tells a story, holds a meaning, and carries thousands of years of history and wisdom. Through this language, we invite our Nigerian friends to see the world through a new lens.”
Liu praised Nigeria’s multilingual identity, singling out Hausa, Igbo, and Yoruba as languages of international importance. He called for continued investment in language preservation and bilingual education to foster cultural diversity.
He also reaffirmed China’s commitment to supporting language learning efforts in Nigeria through teacher training, educational materials, and scholarships under the Bilateral Educational Agreement. Many Nigerian students have already benefited from this initiative, studying in China and returning with skills that contribute to both countries.
For many in attendance, the message was clear: the future of Nigeria-China relations doesn’t just lie in policy meetings or trade deals — it lives in classrooms, conversations, and shared culture.
“This is about connection,” Ahmed concluded. “The more languages we speak, the more we understand each other. And in today’s world, that understanding is more valuable than ever.”
