Chinese Envoy Advocates Wider Adoption of Language in Nigeria’s Schools

The Consul General of China in Lagos, Yan Yuqing, has called for the broader integration of the Chinese language into Nigeria’s education system, describing it as a strategic tool for cultural exchange and economic opportunity.

Speaking in Lagos during the UN Chinese Language Day, Yan said Chinese has the potential to become one of the most practical and widely spoken foreign languages among Nigerian youths as ties between both countries continue to deepen.

She noted that language plays a critical role in bridging cultural divides and fostering mutual understanding, adding that the promotion of Chinese goes beyond academics to support diplomacy and global cooperation.

According to her, incorporating Chinese into curricula across primary, secondary, and tertiary institutions would provide Nigerian students with access to new educational and economic opportunities, including scholarships and employment in Chinese-affiliated enterprises.

Yan disclosed that over 5,000 Nigerian students are currently studying in China, benefiting from government and corporate scholarships. She added that the growing presence of Chinese businesses in Nigeria has increased demand for bilingual professionals, particularly in areas such as trade, logistics, and cross-border collaboration.

She also highlighted initiatives like the Chinese Language Plus Vocational Skills programme, which combines language training with technical expertise, as well as partnerships with institutions such as the University of Lagos and Nnamdi Azikiwe University, where Confucius Institutes have been established.

The envoy expressed optimism that, within the next decade, Chinese language education will expand significantly across Nigeria, potentially becoming a standard component of formal education.

She encouraged Nigerian youths to embrace the language, describing it as a gateway to global exposure, professional growth, and deeper understanding of China’s development model.