Abuja: China has emphasised the vital role of education in strengthening bilateral relations and nurturing future generations to drive sustainable social development. This was highlighted at the inauguration of the Chinese Corner at Government Secondary School, Nyanya, a suburb of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
According to Voice of Nigeria, the Chinese Corner is designed to provide Nigerian students and scholars with opportunities to engage with Chinese culture, language, and the education system, thereby deepening mutual understanding between both countries. Speaking at the inaugural ceremony, the Counselor, Chinese Embassy in Nigeria, Yang Jianxing, said the platform serves as an avenue for cultural and educational exchange, as well as promoting people-to-people diplomacy and bilateral relations.
Jianxing elaborated that twelve years ago, the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria and the FCT Secondary Education Board of Nigeria established the ‘Chinese Corner’ to foster cultural exchanges between the two countries. Over the years, the initiative has become a significant link connecting Chinese and Nigerian cultures, offering students immersive experiences in learning Chinese and gaining insights into the world. Many students have benefited from Chinese Government Scholarships and employment opportunities through the programme.
The Executive Director of China Geo-Engineering Corporation (CGC) Nigeria Ltd, Che Yuan, highlighted the importance of education in helping students discover their talents and harness opportunities for national development. Yuan reaffirmed CGC’s commitment to supporting the education sector in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), noting their long-standing partnership with the FCT Administration.
On his part, the Director of the FCT Secondary Education Board, Dr. Sani Ladan, stated that the Chinese Corners symbolize friendship and cooperation, enhancing people-to-people partnerships. Ladan explained that these facilities will enable students to learn Mandarin, access scholarships, and engage in cultural exchanges, preparing them for global competitiveness.
The Mandate Secretary of the FCT Education Secretariat, Dr. Danlami Hayyo, announced that Mandarin has been officially introduced into the senior secondary school curriculum as one of the international languages. He emphasized the strategic importance of embracing Chinese education and culture, underscoring the language’s global significance.
Dr. Hayyo assured that the facilities would be fully utilized to maximize their impact, enriching the educational experience for both students and teachers. The event also featured cultural performances by FCT Secondary school students, showcasing the richness of both Nigerian and Chinese traditions.
The project, funded by the China Geo-Engineering Corporation (CGC), marks the establishment of the 15th Chinese Corner in FCT schools since the initiative began in 2013.