FG Shakes Up Curriculum: Chinese Language To Be Taught In Nigerian Secondary Schools

The Chinese language, Mandarin, has been officially included as one of the foreign languages to be offered in Senior Secondary Schools across Nigeria under the newly reviewed national curriculum.

The Education Secretary of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Administration, Dr. Danlami Hayyo, disclosed this during the inauguration of a new “Chinese Corner” at Government Secondary School, Tudun Wada, Abuja. The initiative was sponsored by China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) as part of its corporate social responsibility.

Dr. Hayyo highlighted that the FCT had been ahead of the curve, introducing Mandarin in schools within the territory before its adoption into the national curriculum. He described the inclusion of Mandarin as a strategic move, noting that it is the most widely spoken language globally and increasingly dominant in commerce, education, and tourism.

He further revealed that the new centre brings the number of Chinese Corners in Abuja to 14, all established in various secondary schools across the capital. According to him, these centres have strengthened educational and cultural exchanges between Nigeria and China, while also opening opportunities for Nigerian students to pursue higher education in China.

Speaking on behalf of FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, Hayyo commended the Chinese government and embassy for their continued support, quoting a Chinese proverb to emphasize the deepening friendship between the two nations.

Chinese Counselor Yang Jianxing also underscored the importance of the initiative, recalling that the first Chinese Corner was launched 12 years ago through a partnership between the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria and the FCT Secondary Education Board. He described the programme as a cultural bridge that has grown into a vital platform for promoting understanding between Nigerian and Chinese youths.

Yang stressed that the centres are more than just language classrooms, but also windows for students to experience Chinese culture and broaden their worldview. He reaffirmed China’s commitment to strengthening educational and cultural ties with Nigeria, noting that the latest inauguration represents not an end, but a new beginning in fostering mutual exchange.