Mandarin Introduced in Nigerian Schools, FCT Opens 14th Corner

By: Aremu Toyeebaht

The Chinese language, Mandarin, has officially been included as one of the international languages to be taught in Senior Secondary Schools across Nigeria following the recent review of the national curriculum.

The announcement was made on Tuesday by the Education Secretary of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), Dr. Danlami Hayyo, during the inauguration of a new Chinese Corner at Government Secondary School, Tudun Wada, Abuja.

The centre, sponsored by the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility, marks the 14th Chinese Corner established in Abuja.

Dr. Hayyo praised the FCT’s foresight in introducing Mandarin ahead of the national curriculum review, highlighting the importance of the language globally.

“May I inform you that in the recent review of our curriculum, the Chinese language has been selected as one of the international languages to offer in Senior Secondary Schools,” he said.

“The FCT has been very visionary in introducing the subject in our schools through the Chinese Corners early enough. Chinese Mandarin has the largest number of speakers in the world and today it has become the language of commerce, education, and tourism. Our decision to delve into Chinese education and culture is a wise move.”

The FCTA Education Secretary explained that the bilateral partnership with China has boosted cultural exchange and created opportunities for Nigerian students.

“The bilateral relations have seen to the establishment of 13 Chinese Corners, and today we are commissioning the 14th at GSS Tudun Wada,” he said.

“These centres have greatly enhanced education and cultural exchange between Nigeria and China. They have also given our students the opportunity to pursue further education in China, while staff and teachers have benefitted through capacity-building programmes in China.”

Hayyo noted with pride that the FCT is the only region in the country with Chinese Corners in its schools.

Representing the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, the Education Secretary also commended the Chinese government and its Embassy in Nigeria for their continued support in promoting people-to-people exchanges and fostering mutual understanding.