The Federal Government has officially approved the inclusion of the Chinese language in the Senior Secondary School curriculum, with the new policy set to commence in the 2025/2026 academic session.

The decision followed a comprehensive review of the Basic and Senior Secondary Education Curriculum by the Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC), under the supervision of the Federal Ministry of Education. With this development, Mandarin will now be offered as one of the foreign language options available to students, alongside French and Arabic.

According to Nigerian Tribune, education officials clarified that Chinese will not be compulsory, but rather an optional subject for interested students. They emphasized that the introduction of Mandarin is aimed at equipping Nigerian students with international language skills and cultural knowledge that can enhance their global competitiveness.

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The announcement was made during the inauguration of the 14th Chinese Corner at Government Secondary School, Tudun Wada, Abuja. Speaking at the event, the Secretary of Education for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Dr. Danlami Hayyo, described the policy as a forward-looking step.

“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,” Hayyo stated.

“That is to say that the FCT has been very visionary in introducing the subject in our schools through the Chinese Corners early enough. 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 further noted that the initiative has already taken root in the FCT.

“The bilateral relations have led to the establishment of 13 Chinese Corners, and the commissioning of the 14th Corner at GSS Tudun Wada today. 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. Today we are proud to say that it is only the FCT that has Chinese Corners in its schools in the whole federation.”

Dr. Hayyo ended his remarks with a Chinese proverb:

“Hai nei cun zhiji, tianya ruo bi lin,” which means, “A bosom friend brings distant lands near.”

The inclusion of Mandarin into Nigeria’s school system underscores the country’s deepening bilateral ties with China, particularly in trade, infrastructure, and technology. Experts believe that the move will position young Nigerians for future opportunities in global business and cultural exchange.

Also speaking at the event, the Counsellor at the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria, Mr. Yang Jianxing, described the development as a reflection of the long-standing friendship between both 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,” he explained.

He added that the initiative has since grown into, “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.”

According to Jianxing, the commissioning of the 14th Chinese Corner signifies the start of a new phase of cooperation.

“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.

In his remarks, the Director and Secretary of the FCT Secondary Education Board, Dr. Muhammed Ladan, noted that the initiative is designed to achieve more than cultural ties.

“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,” he said.

Meanwhile, stakeholders have expressed concerns about the nationwide implementation of the policy, particularly in areas of teacher training, curriculum development, and access to instructional materials.

The Federal Government has assured that comprehensive guidelines will be issued before the official rollout. Authorities further pledged to prioritize the preparation of qualified teachers and the provision of relevant learning resources to ensure the policy’s success.