China has urged Nigerian youths to take advantage of language learning and cultural exchange programmes to broaden global opportunities and deepen bilateral relations, as students of Nnamdi Azikiwe University dominated this year’s Chinese Bridge Chinese Proficiency competitions.
The call was made during the 19th Nigeria Division of the Chinese Bridge Chinese Proficiency Competition for Secondary School Students and the Inter-University Chinese Language Competition held at the China Cultural Centre in Abuja.
The event formed part of activities marking the 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Nigeria and China, as well as the China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges.
Representing the Chinese Embassy and the China Cultural Centre in Nigeria, Yang Jianxing described the competition as an important platform for promoting mutual understanding between Nigeria and China.
He encouraged participants to continue pursuing Chinese language and cultural studies, noting that learning Mandarin reflects courage, determination and a willingness to engage with the wider world.
According to him, language remains a powerful tool for building bridges across cultures and fostering stronger people-to-people connections.
Yang also commended the Confucius Institutes at Nnamdi Azikiwe University and the University of Lagos for their contributions to the growth of Chinese language education in Nigeria.
Speaking on the theme of the inter-university contest, “One World, One Family,” he said the concept reflects a shared vision of harmony, cooperation and understanding among nations.
He added that beyond language acquisition, participants were helping to sustain the longstanding friendship between Nigeria and China while positioning themselves as future ambassadors of cultural exchange.
Students from the Confucius Institute at Nnamdi Azikiwe University emerged as the dominant performers in both categories of the competition.
In the secondary school category, Micheal Uchechi Justina emerged overall winner with 95.2 points. Umezurike Favour Chinaetugo came second with 90.6 points, while Okoye Chikadibia Faith placed third with 72.6 points.
The university category was also dominated by Nnamdi Azikiwe University students. Emmanuel Faith Mba Orjiugo secured first place with 94 points, followed by Onyeocha Cecilea Ugochi with 82.7 points and Okeke Jessica Chinemerem with 79.9 points.
Permanent Secretary of the Federal Capital Territory Education Secretariat, Joy Okeke, described the competition as evidence of the strong educational partnership between Nigeria and China.
She said the programme demonstrates the commitment of both countries to promoting educational and cultural cooperation for mutual development.
In her virtual remarks, Director of the Confucius Institute at the University of Lagos, Professor Wushuang, noted that the Chinese Bridge programme extends beyond language proficiency, offering young people opportunities for personal development, confidence-building and international exposure.
Director-General of the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN), Mohamed Bulama, said the growing interest in Mandarin among Nigerian students reflects the expanding relationship between Nigeria and China in areas such as diplomacy, trade, education and culture.
He called for greater collaboration to deepen Chinese language education in Nigerian institutions, noting that Radio Nigeria has partnered with the Chinese Embassy and the China Cultural Centre to promote Mandarin learning through the Ni Hao China language programme.
Also speaking, President of the Society of Nigerian Artists, Muhammad Suleiman, described the competition as a celebration of cultural diversity and shared understanding.
Organisers said the annual Chinese Bridge competition continues to provide Nigerian students with opportunities to develop Chinese language skills, access scholarship opportunities and participate in international academic and cultural exchange programmes.
Michael Olugbode
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