Chinese language has the potential to be incorporated into mainstream curricula across Nigerian universities, secondary and primary schools, like other international languages, says Ms Yan Yuqing, Consul General of China in Lagos.
According to Yan, as the comprehensive strategic partnership between China and Nigeria continues to deepen, Chinese will become the most practical and popular foreign language among young people.
She made the assertion in an interview in Lagos on the 2026 UN Chinese Language Day.
The UN marks language days to celebrate multilingualism and cultural diversity, as well as to promote equal use of all six official languages throughout the organisation.
The UN’s six official languages are Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian, and Spanish.
Yan described languages as the key to civilisations and the cornerstone of cultural diplomacy, noting that in today’s volatile global landscape, the promotion of Chinese goes beyond mere language teaching.
On her part, it serves as the most direct pathway to bridge cultural gaps and foster people-to-people affinity.
“Standing at a new starting point for jointly building a China-Africa community with a shared future, the promotion of Chinese is no longer merely cultural exchanges but a platform for equal dialogue and mutually beneficial cooperation.”
The envoy said that for Nigeria and Africa, learning Chinese offers a deeper understanding of China’s development path, governance experience and market opportunities, consolidating the foundation for long-term cooperation.
She said that platforms such as the UN Chinese Language Day present to the world not only an ancient language, but also the oriental philosophy of harmony in diversity, encouraging mutual learning and appreciation among civilisations.
On opportunities for Nigerian youth, Yan said proficiency in Chinese could unlock access to education, employment and global exposure.
“Mastering Chinese undoubtedly empower Nigerian youth to soar. It provides access to China’s huge market and global development resources, enabling personal growth to resonate with national development.
“It has become an important channel for Nigerian youth to enhance their capabilities and step onto the international stage,” she said.
She disclosed that more than 5,000 Nigerian students are currently studying in China, supported by scholarships from the Chinese government and enterprises.
The envoy also pointed to increasing job opportunities, as Chinese-funded enterprises, cross-border e-commerce platforms and logistics firms continue to expand operations in Nigeria.
She said bilingual professionals fluent in Chinese and English are in high demand in areas such as business negotiation, cross-border cooperation and market operations.
Yan further highlighted the impact of the Chinese Language Plus Vocational Skills initiative, which integrates language learning with practical training.
She cited the example of Ms Issa Fatima, Nigeria’s first female train driver, as a beneficiary of such cooperation, noting that similar programmes at the Ogun-Guangdong Free Trade Zone have trained thousands of local workers.
Looking ahead, the envoy expressed optimism about the future of Chinese language education in Nigeria over the next five to 10 years.
She referenced ongoing collaborations, including Confucius Institutes at the University of Lagos and Nnamdi Azikiwe University, the Window to China Library project at the University of Port Harcourt and Afe Babalola University, as well as exchange programmes between Edo State Polytechnic and Fuzhou Polytechnic.
According to her, Chinese language classes are also expanding across primary and secondary schools, as well as industrial hubs.
“Soon, Chinese will no longer be an optional course, but a compulsory course opening doors to the wider world.
“With sustained deepening of China-Nigeria cooperation in infrastructure, energy, agriculture and digital economy in the future, social demand will fuel an upsurge in Chinese learning, which will truly take root in Nigerian society and among its people.”
Yan also underscored the shared values between China and Nigeria, citing proverbs that emphasise cooperation, mutual learning and collective progress.
She said the integration of Chinese and African wisdom would continue to serve as a driving force for global peace and development.
The envoy reaffirmed China’s commitment to supporting Africa’s modernisation through knowledge sharing and capacity building.
She encouraged more Nigerians to learn Chinese, describing it as a window to understanding modern China and exploring its rich civilisation