The Digest:
Mandarin Chinese has been officially integrated into Nigeria’s senior secondary school curriculum as a foreign language option, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Education Secretary announced. The move, unveiled at the inauguration of the 14th “Chinese Corner” in an Abuja school, reflects Nigeria’s strategic effort to align education with global economic and cultural shifts.
Key Points
- Mandarin has been added to the national curriculum following a recent review of senior secondary education guidelines.
- FCT Secretary Dr. Danlami Hayyo emphasized the language’s global relevance in commerce, education, and tourism.
- 14 “Chinese Corners”, cultural and language centers sponsored by China Civil Engineering Construction Corp., now operate in FCT schools.
- The program facilitates student exchanges, teacher training in China, and bilateral educational cooperation.
- Chinese Counsellor Yang Jianxing reaffirmed China’s commitment to supporting Nigeria’s educational and cultural initiatives.
- The FCT is the only region in Nigeria with a dedicated Chinese language infrastructure in schools.
- The inclusion of Mandarin aims to enhance Nigeria’s competitiveness in global trade and diplomacy.
Nigeria’s adoption of Mandarin signals a forward-looking education policy, leveraging language as a bridge to economic opportunity and cross-cultural engagement in an evolving global landscape.
Sources: Punch
