The Federal Government has said it will embrace the teaching and learning of the Chinese language across the country.
Speaking at the International Chinese Language Day celebration in Abuja on Friday, Mrs. Larai Ahmed, Director of Education Support Services at the Federal Ministry of Education, said the initiative will boost trade, cultural exchange, and academic collaboration between Nigeria and China.
Ahmed stressed that language remains a powerful tool for communication and mutual understanding, noting that mastery of Chinese not only opens access to China’s rich cultural heritage but also strengthens diplomatic relations.
She highlighted the significance of the Bilateral Educational Agreement between Nigeria and China, which has enabled many Nigerian scholars to study Chinese language and culture abroad. According to her, the Ministry is working to introduce Chinese language programmes in selected schools and universities nationwide to enrich students’ academic experience and prepare them for opportunities in a globalised world. She also expressed appreciation to Chinese partners for their continued support.
Also speaking, Mr. Liu Zhanping, Deputy Director of the China Cultural Centre in Nigeria, underscored the importance of language to civilisation and identity. He noted that the centre, established in 2013, has continued to provide opportunities for Nigerians, especially Abuja residents, to learn Chinese.
Liu praised Nigeria’s linguistic diversity, describing Hausa, Igbo, and Yoruba as globally recognised languages. He further called for sustained investment in language preservation and bilingual education as a means of supporting cultural identity and diversity.
