Chinese envoy advocates Mandarin teaching in Nigerian schools

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The Consul-General of China in Lagos, Ms Yan Yuqing, has advocated the expansion of Mandarin language teaching in Nigerian schools.

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Yuqing spoke during a visit to Grace Schools, Lagos, where she interacted with pupils learning Mandarin as part of the school’s foreign language programme.

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Grace Schools began teaching Mandarin as a subject 16 years ago.

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According to her, China already supports Mandarin education in Nigeria through the Confucius Institute at the University of Lagos and Chinese language classrooms in primary and secondary schools.

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“I am happy to visit Grace School. I can see that many Nigerian students like the Chinese language, culture, history and people. Children are the hope of every nation, and I am glad to hear many of them say they dream of visiting China,” she said.

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She commended the pupils for their proficiency in Mandarin and expressed optimism that more Nigerian students would study and work in China.

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“I’m happy that the children are learning Chinese well. I love Nigeria. We have similar attire, and I enjoy moi moi, jollof rice and egusi,” she said.

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Speaking further, she noted that greater educational and cultural exchanges would strengthen relations between both countries and equip young Nigerians with global opportunities.

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She said 2026 had been designated the China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchange, with education and cultural cooperation occupying a central place in bilateral relations.

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The envoy said China would continue to support Nigerian students through scholarships, teacher and student exchange programmes, educational donations and other initiatives aimed at deepening mutual understanding.

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She noted that the Chinese government provides scholarships through its Ministry of Education to students from African countries, including Nigeria.

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Yuqing added that Lagos also maintained sister-city partnerships with Chinese provinces, while educational collaboration had continued to expand through exchanges and the Confucius Institute at the University of Lagos.

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The envoy added that China remained committed to supporting development initiatives in Nigeria, including food assistance for low-income families, healthcare interventions such as cataract treatment, and infrastructure projects.

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Earlier, the Chief Executive Officer of Grace Schools, Mrs Olatokunbo Edun, said the school introduced Mandarin in 2010 after recognising China’s growing economic influence and the opportunities it presents for young Nigerians.

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She said Mandarin is taught from Nursery Two to Senior Secondary School II, with many pupils now able to read, write and converse fluently in the language.

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According to Edun, proficiency in Mandarin gives students a competitive advantage in the labour market.

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“Even if you have a degree, you may not get a job. But if you speak Mandarin, the job is yours. We are trying to prepare our children for the global workplace from an early age,” she said.

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She disclosed that one of the school’s pupils had already attained HSK Level 3, an internationally recognised Chinese language proficiency qualification, at the age of six.

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Edun said the school had invested significantly in the programme through its partnership with the Confucius Institute at the University of Lagos, which had trained several teachers in Mandarin instruction.

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She added that learning additional languages also enhances children’s cognitive development while fostering cultural understanding.

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Also speaking, the Chairman of the Parents-Teachers Association of Grace Schools, Omoruyi Edoigiawerei, said parents were pleased with the programme, expressing confidence that it would position their children for future opportunities in international business and diplomacy.

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He also commended China for promoting trade and educational cooperation with Nigeria.

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