The Consul-General of the People’s Republic of China in Lagos, Ms Yan Yuqing, has called for the expansion of Mandarin language education in Nigerian schools, saying greater access to the language would strengthen educational exchange, broaden learning opportunities for young Nigerians and deepen cultural ties between both countries.
Yuqing made the appeal during a visit to Grace Schools, Gbagada, Lagos, where she interacted with pupils enrolled in the school’s Mandarin language programme. She expressed delight at the enthusiasm displayed by the learners, noting that many had developed a strong interest not only in the Chinese language but also in the country’s history, traditions and culture.
According to the Chinese diplomat, introducing more Nigerian children to Mandarin at an early stage would equip them with valuable communication skills in an increasingly interconnected world. She observed that language learning serves as a bridge between nations by promoting mutual understanding, educational cooperation and people-to-people relationships.
She praised the students for their confidence and fluency in speaking Mandarin, adding that their performance reflected the quality of instruction being delivered by the school. Yuqing said she was encouraged by hearing many of the pupils express their desire to visit China in the future for educational and cultural experiences.
The Consul-General explained that China has continued to support Chinese language education in Nigeria through the Confucius Institute at the University of Lagos, as well as Mandarin learning centres established in primary and secondary schools. She noted that these initiatives have created opportunities for Nigerian learners to gain international exposure while building academic and professional connections with China.
Grace Schools has remained one of the pioneers of Mandarin education in Nigeria, having introduced the language into its curriculum about 16 years ago. Through its collaboration with the Confucius Institute, the school has consistently promoted Chinese language instruction alongside activities designed to expose pupils to Chinese arts, culture and traditions.
During the visit, the pupils showcased their language proficiency through conversations in Mandarin and participated in cultural presentations highlighting aspects of Chinese heritage. The event also featured performances that reflected the school’s long-standing commitment to international learning and cross-cultural education.
The visit underscored the growing educational relationship between Nigeria and China, with language education increasingly serving as one of the platforms for collaboration. Beyond classroom instruction, Mandarin programmes have provided Nigerian students with opportunities to access scholarships, academic exchanges and specialised training in Chinese institutions of higher learning.
