Chinese Language Now In Senior Secondary Curriculum – FG
The Federal Government has officially added the Chinese language, Mandarin, to the list of foreign languages to be taught in senior secondary schools across Nigeria.
Secretary of Education for the Federal Capital Territory, Dr Danlami Hayyo, made the announcement on Tuesday during the inauguration of the 14th Chinese Corner at Government Secondary School, Tudun Wada, Abuja.
He explained that the decision followed a review of the national curriculum and noted that the FCT had been ahead by introducing Mandarin through the Chinese Corners in schools.
“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. That is to say that the FCT has been very visionary in introducing the subject in our schools through the Chinese Corners early enough,” Hayyo said.
He described Mandarin as the language with the largest number of speakers in the world and a growing tool for commerce, education and tourism.
According to him, the FCT now has 14 Chinese Corners across its schools, which have fostered cultural exchange and given students opportunities to pursue further education in China. He added that teachers and staff have also benefited from training programmes in China.
Speaking on behalf of the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, Hayyo commended the Chinese government and its embassy for supporting education and cultural ties. He ended with a Chinese proverb meaning, “A bosom friend brings distant lands near.”
The Counsellor at the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria, Yang Jianxing, recalled that the Chinese Corner initiative began 12 years ago as a platform for cultural and educational exchange. He said it has grown into a bridge connecting the cultures of both countries and promised continued support for cooperation in culture and education.
Director of the FCT Secondary Education Board, Dr Muhammed Ladan, also described the initiative as a testament to strong bilateral ties between Nigeria and China.
He noted that the first Chinese Corner was set up in 2013 at GSS Garki, with more centres added in subsequent years, including one at GSS Wuse Zone 3 in 2024. He revealed that two more centres are still in the pipeline, supported by Chinese firms in Nigeria.
The inclusion of Mandarin comes after the Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council confirmed that implementation of the new curriculum will begin in the 2025/2026 academic session. Other international languages such as French and Arabic remain optional subjects.
Just last week, the Chinese Embassy donated 15 sets of Mandarin teaching materials and cultural books to Nigerian schools to support the rollout.
Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.
