Lucky Obukohwo, Reporting
Mandarin, the official language of China, has been introduced into the Nigeria’s Senior Secondary School curriculum following its recent and comprehensive overhauling of the national’s education structure.
The inclusion of Mandarin in the senior secondary curriculum follows the Federal Government’s announcement earlier this month that a comprehensive review of the Basic and Senior Secondary Education Curriculum had been completed.
According to a circular issued by the Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC) dated September 8, 2025, implementation of the revised curriculum is scheduled to begin with the 2025/2026 academic session.
In the updated curriculum, international languages such as French, Arabic, and now Chinese are listed as optional subjects for students.
In a move to further support the rollout of Mandarin instruction, the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria last week donated 15 sets of Chinese language textbooks and cultural literature to secondary schools across the country.
The confirmation of the introduction of the Chinese language was made by Dr. Danlami Hayyo, Secretary of Education for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), during the inauguration ceremony of the 14th Chinese Corner at Government Secondary School (GSS), Tudun Wada, in Abuja.
The Chinese Corner, a language and cultural hub funded by China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) as part of its corporate social responsibility initiative, aims to deepen educational and cultural ties between Nigeria and China.
“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,” Dr. Hayyo stated at the event.
“That is to say that the FCT has been very visionary in introducing the subject in our schools through the Chinese Corners early enough.”
He described the growing importance of Mandarin in global affairs, citing its expanding influence in commerce, tourism, and education.
“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,” he added.
The newly inaugurated Chinese Corner at GSS Tudun Wada brings the total number of such centres in the FCT to 14. These educational centres, spread across secondary schools in the territory, serve as platforms for language acquisition and cultural interaction.
Hayyo noted the impact of these centres on educational and cultural exchange. “The bilateral relations have led to the establishment of 13 Chinese Corners, and the commissioning of the 14th Corner at GSS Tudun Wada today,” he said.
“These centres have greatly enhanced education and cultural exchange between Nigeria and China. It has opened a window for better understanding and appreciation of our various cultures and given our students the opportunity to pursue further education in China.”
He added that both teaching and non-teaching staff in the FCT have participated in professional development programmes in China, strengthening capacity within the education sector.
“Today we are proud to say that it is only the FCT that has Chinese Corners in its schools in the whole federation,” he remarked.
Speaking on behalf of FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, Hayyo expressed gratitude to the Chinese government and its embassy in Nigeria for their consistent support and investment in educational initiatives.
He concluded his remarks with a Chinese proverb, “Hai nei cun zhiji,
Also present at the event was Mr. Yang Jianxing, Counsellor at the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria.
In his address, he traced the origins of the Chinese Corner initiative to a shared desire for closer cultural ties between the two nations.
“Twelve years ago, out of the cherishment for China-Nigeria friendly relations and the expectation for cultural exchanges between the two countries, the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria and the FCT Secondary Education Board joined hands to establish the Chinese Corner as a unique platform for cultural and educational exchanges,” Yang stated.
He described the programme’s evolution over the past decade as a meaningful link connecting young people across both countries.
“The initiative has grown over the past decade to become a link connecting Chinese and Nigerian cultures, a bridge narrowing the hearts of young people from the two countries, and one of the most popular cultural check-in spots among teachers and students in Abuja.”
Yang reaffirmed China’s commitment to continued collaboration with Nigeria across several sectors, especially in culture and education.
“Today, the inauguration of the Chinese Corner is not an end, but a new starting point for cultural exchanges between China and Nigeria,” he said.
Dr. Muhammed Ladan, Director and Secretary of the FCT Secondary Education Board, also addressed attendees.
He described the Chinese Corner initiative as a reflection of strong bilateral relations between the two nations.
“The Chinese Corners aim not just to foster people-to-people exchanges, but also to provide resources for learning Mandarin and opportunities for scholarships in China. It is also a means of strengthening diplomatic relations through artistic collaboration,” Ladan said.
He recalled the establishment of the first Chinese Corner at GSS Garki in 2013, and noted the expansion to other schools over the years, including one at GSS Wuse Zone 3 in 2024.
He revealed that two additional centres are currently in the works, supported by major Chinese firms operating within Nigeria.