Nigeria has taken an unprecedented step in its education policy by incorporating Mandarin Chinese into the official curriculum of upper secondary schools. The move aims to diversify language options and respond to the demands of an increasingly interconnected world.
The new plan, which will come into effect from the 2025-2026 academic year, puts Mandarin on a par with French and Arabic as optional international languages. In doing so, the authorities aim to broaden students' global outreach and prepare them to compete in a job market with growing economic links to Asia.
The announcement was made in Abuja during an event attended by representatives of the education sector and Chinese diplomats. The strategic importance of providing young people with skills that go beyond the traditionally taught Western languages was highlighted.
In addition to institutional support, the project will be supported by specific teaching materials and training programmes for teachers. The aim is to ensure that Mandarin learning is not a testimonial subject, but an effective tool for communication and opportunities.
The debate has not been long in coming: while some education unions warn of infrastructure and resource challenges, business sectors welcome the decision because of the potential it represents for future professionals.
With this commitment, Nigeria reinforces its position as a pioneer in Africa in the diversification of its language teaching, while consolidating its rapprochement with China, one of its main strategic partners.
Source: informationng.com; nigerianeye.com