Mandarin has officially been included in the list of foreign languages to be taught in senior secondary schools throughout Nigeria, following a recent curriculum update. This announcement was made on Tuesday by Dr. Danlami Hayyo, the Secretary of Education for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), during the opening of the 14th Chinese Corner at Government Secondary School, Tudun Wada, Abuja.
Dr. Hayyo stated, "I would like to inform you that during our latest curriculum review, we have selected the Chinese language as one of the international languages to be offered in senior secondary schools." He emphasized that the FCT has shown wisdom by introducing Mandarin early through the Chinese Corners initiative.
The Chinese Corner serves as an educational and cultural center supported by the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation, as part of its corporate social responsibility efforts. This initiative has been expanding continually. Hayyo mentioned that this newly opened center is the 14th in the FCT, with similar facilities now available in various secondary schools across the region.
Representing the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, Hayyo expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Chinese government and its embassy in Nigeria for their ongoing support. He wrapped up his address with a Chinese proverb: "Hai nei cun zhiji, tianya ruo bi lin," which translates to, "A bosom friend brings distant lands near."
The addition of Mandarin comes right after the Federal Government's recent revision of the Basic and Senior Secondary Education Curriculum. A circular released by the Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council on September 8, 2025, confirmed that the new curriculum will take effect starting the 2025/2026 academic year. Mandarin now joins French and Arabic as optional international languages in senior secondary schools.
Dr. Muhammed Ladan, the Director/Secretary of the FCT Secondary Education Board, mentioned that the creation of Chinese Corners highlights the strengthening bilateral relations between Nigeria and China. "The purpose of the Chinese Corners is not only to promote exchanges between people but also to provide resources for learning Mandarin and opportunities for scholarships in China. It also aims to reinforce diplomatic relations through artistic collaboration," he explained.
Ladan pointed out that the first Chinese Corner was established in 2013 at GSS Garki, with additional centers created over the years, including one at GSS Wuse Zone 3 in 2024. He added that two more centers are currently under development, supported by major Chinese companies operating in Nigeria.
To further demonstrate its commitment, the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria recently donated 15 sets of Chinese language teaching materials and cultural books to secondary schools. This gesture aims to enhance the implementation of Mandarin education and deepen cultural ties between the two nations.
Responses to the Federal Government's approval for the Chinese language have varied:
Gentle Idoko Innocent: "Now I need to find a Chinese name for myself because it seems they've finally sold the country."
Justus Okuntade: "But where will the teachers come from? Nonsense! I studied French in secondary school, and today, aside from 'bonjour,' I can’t remember anything! 😀"
Obele Ngoke: "We are still struggling with Nigeria's national anthem, and now they’ve brought in Chinese language. 😅😅😅😅😅"
Salvation Absalom: "Thank goodness I finished secondary school before this issue came up. English was simple, and we are still grappling with it. Now, it’s about Chinese language! 🤔"
Arinze Aric Gilmore: "It’s over! I just had to let you all know. 😂😂😂😂😂 They’ve sold it! 😂😂😂😂 If you like, keep asking what's for sale! 😂😂😂"