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FG adds Chinese language to join French and Arabic as optional foreign subjects
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Initiative tied to cultural exchange and Nigeria–China relations
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Concerns raised over teacher training and nationwide rollout
The Federal Government has approved the inclusion of the Chinese language in the Senior Secondary School curriculum, with the policy taking effect from the 2025/2026 academic session.
The decision follows a review of the Basic and Senior Secondary Education Curriculum conducted by the Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC), under the supervision of the Federal Ministry of Education.
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With this change, students can now choose Mandarin alongside French and Arabic as an international language option.
Speaking at the commissioning of the 14th Chinese Corner at Government Secondary School, Tudun Wada, Abuja, the Secretary of Education for the Federal Capital Territory, Dr Danlami Hayyo, hailed the development as visionary.
He said: “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. “Chinese Mandarin has the largest number of speakers in the world, and today it has become the language of commerce, education, and tourism. Our decision to delve into Chinese education and culture is a wise move.”
Dr Hayyo explained that the Federal Capital Territory has led the way in establishing 14 Chinese Corners, creating platforms for cultural exchange and scholarship opportunities in China.
The Counsellor at the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria, Mr Yang Jianxing, described the initiative as a reflection of the deep ties between both countries.
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He said the centres act as “a link connecting Chinese and Nigerian cultures, a bridge narrowing the hearts of young people from the two countries.”
Director of the FCT Secondary Education Board, Dr Muhammed Ladan, added that the policy goes beyond language, noting that it will expand opportunities for students to access resources, scholarships, and collaborative programmes with Chinese institutions.
However, education stakeholders have raised concerns about implementation, questioning the availability of qualified teachers, instructional materials, and how the subject will be standardised across states.
The Federal Government assured that clear guidelines and training programmes will be released before the official rollout.
