The Consul-General of China in Lagos, Yan Yuqing, has called for the inclusion of more Mandarin language programmes in Nigerian schools to strengthen educational and cultural ties between both countries.
She made the appeal during a visit to Schools in Nigeria, where she met with pupils studying Mandarin as part of the school’s foreign language curriculum. The school introduced the language in 2010.
Speaking during the visit, Yuqing expressed delight at the enthusiasm shown by the pupils in learning the Chinese language and culture. She said it was encouraging to hear many of them express a desire to visit China in the future.
The envoy noted that China has continued to promote Mandarin education in Nigeria through the Confucius Institute at the University of Lagos and Chinese language programmes in several primary and secondary schools.
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She also praised the students for their fluency in Mandarin and said she hoped more young Nigerians would take advantage of opportunities to study and work in China. Sharing her admiration for Nigeria, she said she enjoys local dishes such as moi moi, jollof rice and egusi soup.
According to Yuqing, 2026 has been declared the China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchange, with education and cultural cooperation playing a major role in strengthening bilateral relations. She added that the Chinese government would continue to support Nigerian students through scholarships, exchange programmes, teacher training and educational donations.
Earlier, the Chief Executive Officer of Grace Schools, Olatokunbo Edun, said the school introduced Mandarin after recognising China’s growing role in the global economy and the opportunities it offers Nigerian students.
