China has renewed its call for Mandarin to be introduced in more Nigerian schools, highlighting the language as a gateway to global opportunities.
The appeal was made by China’s Consul-General in Lagos, Ms. Yan Yuqing, during a visit to Grace Schools in Lagos.
The school has taught Mandarin for more than 16 years, making it one of the early adopters of Chinese language education in Nigeria.
Her visit comes at a time when China continues to strengthen educational partnerships with Nigeria through scholarships, school exchanges, teacher training, and Confucius classrooms.
Speaking during her interaction with pupils, Yuqing expressed excitement over the students’ enthusiasm for the Chinese language and culture.
She said:
“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.”
The envoy praised the students for their impressive Mandarin skills. Furthermore, she expressed hope that more Nigerian youths would study and eventually work in China.
She added:
“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.”
According to the Chinese diplomat, education remains one of the strongest ways to build lasting relationships between nations.
She explained that China already supports Mandarin learning in Nigeria through the Confucius Institute at the University of Lagos and several Chinese language classrooms operating in primary and secondary schools.
Meanwhile, she disclosed that 2026 has been designated as the China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchange.
As a result, educational cooperation and cultural exchange are expected to receive even greater attention.
In addition, Yuqing said China would continue offering scholarships, educational donations, teacher development programmes, and student exchange opportunities to Nigerian learners.
She also noted that the Chinese government provides scholarship opportunities through its Ministry of Education to students from several African countries, including Nigeria.
Beyond education, she revealed that cooperation between both countries extends to healthcare, infrastructure development, food support, and other social programmes.
Earlier, the Chief Executive Officer of Grace Schools, Mrs. Olatokunbo Edun, explained why the institution introduced Mandarin in 2010.
According to her, the decision was influenced by China’s growing role in the global economy.
She noted that students begin learning the language from Nursery Two through Senior Secondary School II.
Many of them can now read, write, and communicate confidently in Mandarin.
Edun also stressed that speaking Mandarin could give young Nigerians an advantage in today’s competitive job market.
She said:
“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.”
Furthermore, she revealed that one of the school’s pupils earned the internationally recognized HSK Level 3 qualification at just six years old.
According to her, the school’s partnership with the Confucius Institute has helped improve the quality of Mandarin instruction through continuous teacher training.
She also explained that learning additional languages improves children’s thinking abilities while exposing them to different cultures.
Meanwhile, Chairman of the Parents-Teachers Association, Omoruyi Edoigiawerei, said many parents support the programme because it prepares children for careers in international business, diplomacy, and global commerce.
He also commended China for strengthening trade and educational cooperation with Nigeria.
