By Jemimah Wellington, JKNewsMedia Correspondent
INTRODUCTION OF Mandarin, the official language of the People’s Republic of China into Nigeria’s senior secondary school curriculum has been approved by the Federal Government, with implementation scheduled to begin in the 2025/2026 academic session.
The Federal Capital Territory Education Secretary, Dr. Danlami Hayyo, disclosed the approval during the launch of Abuja’s 14th Chinese Corner.
He said the policy was designed to prepare Nigerian students for global competitiveness while strengthening educational and trade relations with China.
According to Hayyo, the inclusion of Mandarin reflects the increasing significance of the Chinese language in international affairs.
He also explained that fluency in Mandarin would give Nigerian students wider access to opportunities in commerce, education, culture, and diplomacy.
“The growing importance of Mandarin across several fields underscores the need for our students to acquire the language.
“It will enable them to participate more effectively in global interactions and strengthen bilateral cooperation between Nigeria and China,” he stated.
The Education Secretary also emphasised that the policy would serve as a long-term investment in the nation’s youth by equipping them with relevant skills for the future.
He maintained that Mandarin has become a language of influence worldwide, and its adoption into the Nigerian curriculum was necessary to keep pace with global trends.
The launch of the Chinese Corner in Abuja provided the platform for the announcement.
The Chinese Corner initiative, established across various institutions, has served as a cultural and educational link for Nigerians interested in learning more about Chinese language and culture.
The establishment of the 14th centre in Abuja marked another step in efforts to strengthen ties between both countries.
The Federal Government’s decision is expected to expand the scope of foreign language education in Nigerian schools.
Until now, French and Arabic have been the leading foreign languages taught at senior secondary level, but the introduction of Mandarin will place Nigeria among the growing number of countries incorporating the language into their education systems.
Hayyo reaffirmed that the inclusion of Mandarin was not merely symbolic but a strategic approach to foster deeper cooperation between Nigeria and China in trade, technology, and cultural exchange.
He said the move would provide Nigerian students with tools to navigate a globalised world while consolidating the country’s bilateral partnerships.
The announcement follows years of growing collaboration between Nigeria and China, with China serving as one of Nigeria’s largest trading partners and a major investor in infrastructure projects.
The adoption of Mandarin in schools is viewed as part of wider measures to align education with international opportunities.
Hayyo concluded that the new language policy would broaden the horizon for young Nigerians and give them a competitive advantage on the global stage.
He called on schools, parents, and stakeholders to embrace the initiative and support its smooth implementation when the 2025/2026 academic year begins.
