China has emphasised the vital role of education in strengthening bilateral relations and nurturing future generations to drive sustainable social development.
This was highlighted at the inauguration of the Chinese Corner at Government Secondary School, Nyanya, a suburb of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
The Chinese Corner is designed to provide Nigerian students and scholars with opportunities to engage with Chinese culture, language, and the education system, thereby deepening mutual understanding between both countries.
Speaking at the inaugural ceremony, the Counselor, Chinese Embassy in Nigeria, Yang Jianxing said “the platform serves as an avenue for cultural and educational exchange, as well as promote people-to-people diplomacy and bilateral relations.”
“Twelve years ago, out of the cherishment for China-Nigeria friendly relations and the expectation for cultural exchanges between the two countries, the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria and the FCT Secondary Education Board of Nigeria joined hands to establish the ‘Chinese Corner’ as a unique platform for cultural and educational exchanges.”
“Over the past more than 10 years, this seemingly simple platform has long become a link connecting Chinese and Nigerian cultures, a bridge narrowing the hearts of young people from the two countries, and one of the most popular cultural check-in spots among teachers and students in Abuja. For students, the “Chinese Corner” is not only an immersive classroom for learning Chinese and experiencing Chinese culture, but also a window to observe the world. Many students have secured Chinese Government Scholarships, pursued studies in China, or gained employment in Chinese companies through the programme,” Jianxing explained.
The Executive Director of China Geo-Engineering Corporation (CGC) Nigeria Ltd, Che Yuan has stressed the importance of education in helping students discover their talents and harness opportunities for national development.
Yuan reaffirmed CGC’s commitment to supporting the education sector in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), noting that “the company has been a trusted partner of the FCT Administration for nearly two decades.”
“CGC Nigeria Ltd is dedicated to providing reliable, high-quality infrastructure. With the completion of the Chinese Corner classroom, we hope more children can learn here, enjoy the process of education, and gain knowledge that will add new chapters to the cultural exchange and friendship between China and Nigeria,” he said.
On his part, the Director of the FCT Secondary Education Board, Dr. Sani Ladan said; “the Chinese Corners are not just physical spaces but symbols of friendship and cooperation that strengthen people-to-people partnerships.”
Ladan explained that the facilities will provide opportunities for students to learn Mandarin, access scholarships, and engage in cultural exchanges, thereby preparing them for global competitiveness.
“As an education administrator, I am convinced that collaborations of this nature are not mere projects, but legacy initiatives that will benefit countless students long after our time in service,” he said.
The Mandate Secretary of the FCT Education Secretariat, Dr. Danlami Hayyo announced that Mandarin has been officially introduced into the senior secondary school curriculum as one of the international languages.
“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 be offered in Senior Secondary Schools. This shows that the FCT has been very visionary in introducing the subject in our schools through the Chinese Corners. Chinese Mandarin has the largest number of speakers in the world and has become the language of commerce, education, and tourism. Our decision to embrace Chinese education and culture is therefore a wise and strategic move,” Hayyo said.
He further promised that the facilities would be fully utilised to maximise their impact.
“I assure you that these facilities will be fully utilised for the benefit of both our students and teachers. They will enrich teaching and learning, broaden cultural awareness, and equip our students with valuable knowledge of both the Chinese people and our Nigerian heritage. We celebrate this partnership today and look forward to greater collaborations that will positively shape the future of education in the FCT,” he added.
Highlights of the event included; cultural performances by FCT Secondary school students, showcasing the richness of both Nigerian and Chinese traditions.
The project, funded by the China Geo-Engineering Corporation (CGC), marks the establishment of the 15th Chinese Corner in FCT schools since the initiative began in 2013.
Olusola Akintonde