BREAKING: FG Approves Chinese Language in Nigerian Schools Curriculum

The Federal Government has approved the inclusion of Chinese language in the Senior Secondary School curriculum, beginning from the 2025/2026 academic session.

The Federal Government has approved the introduction of the Chinese language into the Senior Secondary School curriculum, with the policy set to commence in the 2025/2026 academic session.

The approval followed a review of the Basic and Senior Secondary Education Curriculum by the Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC), under the Federal Ministry of Education. With this inclusion, Chinese will now be offered alongside French and Arabic as part of the foreign language options available to students.

Education officials clarified that Mandarin will remain optional, not compulsory, allowing students to select it as an international language. According to them, the move is designed to equip students with global skills and cultural knowledge that can boost their competitiveness worldwide.

Announcing the development at the inauguration of the 14th Chinese Corner at Government Secondary School, Tudun Wada, Abuja, the FCT Secretary of Education, Dr. Danlami Hayyo, 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. The FCT has been very visionary in introducing the subject in our schools through the Chinese Corners early enough.”

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Hayyo noted that Mandarin is now the most widely spoken language globally and has become a vital tool in commerce, education, and tourism. He added that Nigeria’s decision to embrace Chinese studies is a strategic step towards cultural exchange and global relevance.

The initiative has already gained ground in the FCT with the establishment of 14 Chinese Corners, which he described as key to strengthening ties between Nigeria and China while opening opportunities for Nigerian students to study abroad.

Counsellor at the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria, Yang Jianxing, described the initiative as a “bridge connecting Chinese and Nigerian cultures” and praised it as a reflection of the deepening diplomatic and educational cooperation between both nations.

Similarly, the Director/Secretary of the FCT Secondary Education Board, Dr. Muhammed Ladan, emphasized that the Chinese Corners were created not just for cultural exchange, but also to provide resources for learning Mandarin, scholarships, and enhanced collaboration between the two countries.

Despite the excitement, stakeholders have raised concerns over teacher training, curriculum design, and availability of learning materials nationwide. The Federal Government, however, has assured that clear guidelines will be issued ahead of the official rollout, focusing on teacher preparation and instructional support.