Nigerian students have demonstrated strong Mandarin proficiency at the 19th Nigeria Division of the Chinese Bridge Chinese Proficiency Competition held in Abuja, reflecting the growing interest in Chinese language studies among youths in the country.
The competition, held at the China Cultural Centre in Abuja, brought together secondary school and university students, with participants from the Confucius Institute at Nnamdi Azikiwe University dominating both categories.
Beyond a contest of fluency, the event underscored how cultural diplomacy and education exchanges are shaping a new generation of globally minded Nigerian students.
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In his remarks, the Director of the China Cultural Centre in Nigeria, Mr Yang Jianxing, described the competition as a symbol of deepening people-to-people engagement between the two countries.
“Language is a bridge for dialogue between civilisations and a bond that unites hearts and minds. By expressing your thoughts and emotions in fluent Chinese, each and every one of you is embodying the spirit of ‘One World, One Family,” Yang said.
He noted that the event formed part of activities marking the 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Nigeria and China, describing it as “a momentous occasion in the field of language and cultural exchange between our two nations.”
Speaking on the inter-university competition themed “One World, One Family,” Yang noted that language serves as a bridge between cultures and peoples. According to Yang, young Nigerians learning Mandarin are playing a direct role in strengthening bilateral ties.
“You are not only learners of the Chinese language; you are inheritors and witnesses of the friendship between China and Nigeria. You carry the profound hopes of our two peoples for greater understanding and closeness,” he noted.
“Language is a bridge for dialogue between civilisations and a bond that unites hearts and minds. By expressing your thoughts and emotions in fluent Chinese, each and every one of you is giving expression to the spirit of ‘One World, One Family,” he said.
According to him, students studying Chinese are playing a vital role in strengthening ties between both nations.
“You are not only learners of the Chinese language, you are also inheritors and witnesses of the friendship between China and Nigeria, carrying the hopes of our two peoples for greater understanding and closeness,” he stated.
Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Capital Territory Education Secretariat, Joy Okeke, described the event as evidence of enduring educational cooperation.
“It is a pleasure and honour to witness this level of cultural and educational exchange between two long-standing partners and friends. This partnership continues to open doors for our young people,” she said.
The Director-General of the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria, Mohammed Bulama, linked the increasing interest in Mandarin to expanding diplomatic and economic relations.
“This is a clear demonstration that the bilateral ties between Nigeria and China are becoming stronger and stronger, diplomatically, in trade, culturally and educationally,” he said.
He said that Radio Nigeria, in partnership with the Chinese Embassy and the China Cultural Centre, recently introduced a Mandarin language programme titled Ni Hao China to further promote Chinese studies.
According to the Director, Confucius Institute at the University of Lagos, Professor Wushuang, the impact of the programme goes beyond vocabulary and grammar.
“For young students, Chinese Bridge is much more than a language competition. It is a stage where curiosity becomes confidence, where learning becomes discovery, and where dreams begin to take shape”, she said.
Director-Secretary of the FCT Secondary Education Board, Fatima Gambo, expressed admiration for the students’ fluency and performance, noting that he fluency displayed by the students demonstrated the capacity of Nigerian youths to compete globally. She further pledged continued support to expand participation across FCT schools.
“I was deeply impressed to see Nigerian students speak Chinese so fluently, singing and performing as though they were in China,. This shows that whatever we set our minds to achieve, we can achieve. Already, three students have been granted scholarships to study in China. We will continue to encourage wider participation among FCT schools,” Gambo stated.
The.President of the Society of Nigerian Artists, Muhammad Suleiman, described the event as a celebration of cultural harmony.
“This is not only a contest of language skills. It is a grand event where the cultures of China and Nigeria shine together,” he noted
Education stakeholders at the event said the competition reflects a broader shift in Nigeria’s academic landscape.
The dominance of Nnamdi Azikiwe University students reflected the growing institutional investment in Chinese studies. In the secondary school category, themed “Chasing Dreams Through Chinese, Making Every Moment Count,” Michael Uchechi Justina emerged overall winner with 95.2 points. Umezurike Favour Chinaetugo came second with 90.6 points, while Okoye Chikadibia Faith placed third with 72.6 points.
In the inter-university contest, Emmanuel Faith Mba Orjiugo clinched first position with 94 points. Onyeocha Cecilea Ugochi and Okeke Jessica Chinemerem finished second and third with 82.7 and 79.9 points, respectively.
The annual Chinese Bridge competition continues to provide Nigerian students with opportunities to deepen intercultural understanding, access scholarships and represent Nigeria at international language contests which reinforced the role of education as a cornerstone of Nigeria-China relations.
