Godsent Ogbebor – Abuja Correspondent
FG Adds Chinese to Secondary School Curriculum
The Federal Government has approved the teaching of Chinese language in senior secondary schools across the country beginning from the 2025/2026 academic session.
The policy followed a review of the Basic and Senior Secondary Education Curriculum by the Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC), under the supervision of the Federal Ministry of Education.
With the inclusion, Chinese will now be offered as an optional foreign language alongside French and Arabic. Officials said the move is aimed at equipping students with international language skills that could boost their competitiveness in education, commerce and cultural exchange.
Speaking at the inauguration of the 14th Chinese Corner at Government Secondary School, Tudun Wada, Abuja, Secretary of Education for the Federal Capital Territory, Dr. Danlami Hayyo, described the initiative as timely.
“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 embrace Chinese education and culture is a wise move,” he said.
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He noted that the FCT had been ahead in promoting the language through the establishment of Chinese Corners in schools, with 13 already in operation before the new one was unveiled.
Counsellor at the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria, Yang Jianxing, said the centres have become bridges of cultural understanding and one of the most popular learning spots among students in Abuja.
Director of the FCT Secondary Education Board, Dr. Muhammed Ladan, explained that the initiative will also open opportunities for scholarships and exchange programmes in China.
While the Federal Government has promised clear guidelines on teacher training and learning resources before the rollout, stakeholders have urged attention to funding and access so that schools outside Abuja can benefit equally.
The decision comes at a time Nigeria and China continue to strengthen relations in trade, technology and infrastructure.
