Abuja, Nigeria – September 17, 2025 – In a landmark move aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s global competitiveness and fostering international collaboration, the Federal Government has officially added Chinese language (Mandarin) to the national curriculum for senior secondary schools.
The decision follows a comprehensive review of Nigeria’s education curriculum, led by the Federal Ministry of Education in collaboration with the Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC). The inclusion of Mandarin reflects the growing diplomatic and economic ties between Nigeria and China, and aligns with global trends in multilingual education.
According to the Ministry, Mandarin will be introduced as an elective subject at the senior secondary school level, beginning in the next academic session. The curriculum will focus on basic language skills — speaking, reading, and writing — as well as cultural awareness to help students engage more effectively on the global stage.
“This is a strategic step towards equipping Nigerian students with the language skills needed in today’s interconnected world,” a spokesperson for the Ministry of Education said. “China remains one of Nigeria’s strongest trade and development partners. Learning Mandarin opens doors for future academic, business, and diplomatic opportunities.”
The initiative is also expected to boost student exchange programs, scholarships, and employment prospects in Chinese companies operating within Nigeria and abroad. It comes at a time when China’s influence in Africa continues to grow, especially in sectors like infrastructure, technology, and manufacturing.
Education experts have lauded the move, saying it signals Nigeria’s readiness to embrace global best practices in education and prepare its youth for diverse career pathways.
Training programs for teachers are already underway, with support from the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria and Confucius Institutes established in several Nigerian universities.
With this development, Nigeria joins a growing list of African nations integrating Mandarin into their education systems, reflecting the shifting dynamics of international relations and economic cooperation.
Parents, educators, and students are encouraged to embrace the new opportunity as the government continues its efforts to modernize and internationalize the Nigerian education system.
This country is full of rubbish people.. What exactly will achieve with this nonsense?? It would be more sense if it is French instead.