Nigeria Adds Chinese Language to Senior Secondary School Curriculum

The Federal Government has officially added the Chinese language, Mandarin, to the senior secondary school curriculum following a recent review of the national education policy.

The Secretary of Education for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Dr. Danlami Hayyo, disclosed this on Tuesday during the inauguration of the 14th Chinese Corner at Government Secondary School, Tudun Wada, Abuja.

According to him, the inclusion of Mandarin marks a bold step towards equipping Nigerian students with global skills, given the language’s rising influence in commerce, education, and tourism.

“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 offer in senior secondary schools. That is to say, the FCT has been visionary in introducing the subject in our schools through the Chinese Corners early enough,” Hayyo said.

The Chinese Corner initiative, sponsored by China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) as part of its corporate social responsibility, serves as an educational and cultural hub in secondary schools. The newly launched centre at GSS Tudun Wada brings the total number in the FCT to 14.

Hayyo noted that the centres have enhanced cultural exchange between Nigeria and China, opened pathways for further education abroad, and exposed Nigerian teachers to training opportunities in China.

Speaking on behalf of the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, Hayyo commended the Chinese government for its continued support, describing the initiative as “a wise move” in line with global trends.

Also present was Yang Jianxing, Counsellor at the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria, who explained that the establishment of Chinese Corners stems from the long-standing friendship between both nations.

“Twelve years ago, the Chinese Embassy and the FCT Secondary Education Board established the first Chinese Corner as a platform for cultural and educational exchanges. Over the years, it has become a bridge connecting Chinese and Nigerian cultures and one of the most popular cultural check-in spots among teachers and students in Abuja,” Jianxing said.

Director/Secretary of the FCT Secondary Education Board, Dr. Muhammed Ladan, described the initiative as a reflection of the strong bilateral ties between Nigeria and China. He said it would also foster scholarship opportunities and strengthen diplomatic relations.

The first Chinese Corner was established in 2013 at GSS Garki, with additional centres created in subsequent years, including one at GSS Wuse Zone 3 in 2024. Two more are expected soon, backed by major Chinese companies operating in Nigeria.

The Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC) confirmed in a circular dated September 8, 2025, that the new curriculum would be implemented from the 2025/2026 academic session. Alongside Mandarin, other international languages such as French and Arabic remain optional subjects.

The Chinese Embassy recently donated 15 sets of Chinese language teaching materials and cultural books to support the rollout of the new curriculum in Nigerian schools.