China has pushed Nigerian youths to learn Mandarin and embrace cultural exchanges as a way to build global opportunities and deepen ties between the two countries, with students from Nnamdi Azikiwe University sweeping top prizes at this year's Chinese Bridge language competitions.
The 19th Nigeria Division of the Chinese Bridge Chinese Proficiency Competition for Secondary School Students and the Inter-University Chinese Language competition took place at the China Cultural Centre in Abuja. The event drew students, diplomats, educators and cultural stakeholders from across Nigeria and formed part of celebrations marking 55 years of diplomatic relations between Nigeria and China, as well as the China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges.
Yang Jianxing, representing the Chinese Embassy and the China Cultural Centre in Nigeria, said the competition provides a crucial platform for fostering mutual understanding between both nations. He told participants that learning Mandarin reflects courage and a willingness to engage with the wider world. "Language remains a powerful tool for building bridges across cultures and promoting deeper connections between peoples," Yang said, adding that the competition strengthens friendship and cooperation between Nigeria and China.
Yang praised the Confucius Institutes at Nnamdi Azikiwe University and the University of Lagos for advancing Chinese language education in Nigeria. He said their work has contributed significantly to the growing popularity of Mandarin studies among Nigerian students. Speaking on the competition theme, "One World, One Family," Yang described the concept as reflecting a shared vision of harmony, cooperation and understanding among nations. He told contestants they were helping to sustain the longstanding friendship between the two countries while positioning themselves as future cultural ambassadors.
Nnamdi Azikiwe University's Confucius Institute dominated both competition categories. In the secondary school category, Micheal Uchechi Justina won overall with 95.2 points, followed by Umezurike Favour Chinaetugo with 90.6 points and Okoye Chikadibia Faith with 72.6 points. The university category saw the same institution take all three top positions: Emmanuel Faith Mba Orjiugo claimed first place with 94 points, Onyeocha Cecilea Ugochi secured second with 82.7 points and Okeke Jessica Chinemerem finished third with 79.9 points.
Joy Okeke, Permanent Secretary of the Federal Capital Territory Education Secretariat, described the event as a testament to the enduring educational partnership between Nigeria and China. She said the competition highlights both countries' commitment to promoting educational and cultural cooperation for mutual growth and development.
Professor Wushuang, Director of the Confucius Institute at the University of Lagos, said the Chinese Bridge programme goes beyond language proficiency. It provides young people with opportunities for personal growth, confidence-building and international exposure. Mohamed Bulama, Director-General of the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria, noted that the increasing interest in Mandarin among Nigerian students mirrors the expanding relationship between Nigeria and China across diplomacy, trade, education and culture. Bulama called for broader collaboration to deepen Chinese language education in Nigerian universities and colleges, saying Radio Nigeria has partnered with the Chinese Embassy to support this effort.
The competitions will continue to be held annually to identify and nurture language talents among Nigerian students.
