China urges Nigerian youths to embrace language, cultural exchange opportunities

China has called on Nigerian youths to embrace language learning and cultural exchange opportunities as a pathway to global engagement, deeper mutual understanding and stronger ties between Nigeria and China, with students of the Confucius Institute at Nnamdi Azikiwe University emerging winners in this year’s Chinese Bridge language competitions.

The appeal 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, where participants showcased their Mandarin language skills and knowledge of Chinese culture.

The events formed part of activities marking the 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Nigeria and the China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges, bringing together students, educators, diplomats and cultural stakeholders to promote educational and cultural cooperation.

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Speaking at the competitions, Yang Jianxing, representing the Chinese Embassy and the China Cultural Centre in Nigeria, encouraged young Nigerians to take advantage of opportunities offered through language learning and international cultural exchanges.

“You are all in the prime of your youth, and your choice to learn Chinese and step onto the ‘Chinese Bridge’ stage is itself an act of courage and commitment,” Yang said.

He described the competitions as important platforms for strengthening understanding between the people of both countries.

“Today, we are gathered at the China Cultural Center in Nigeria to host the 19th Nigeria Division ‘Chinese Bridge’ Chinese Proficiency Competition for Secondary School Students. This is a momentous occasion in the field of language and cultural exchange between China and Nigeria,” he said.

Yang commended the Confucius Institutes at Nnamdi Azikiwe University and the University of Lagos for their contributions to Chinese language education in Nigeria.

“It is your steadfast commitment and quiet dedication that have allowed the Chinese language to take root and flourish on this vibrant land,” he said.

Speaking on the inter-university competition themed “One World, One Family,” Yang said the event reflected a shared aspiration for harmony and cooperation among nations.

“Language is a bridge for dialogue between civilisations and a bond that unites hearts and minds. By expressing your thoughts and emotions in fluent Chinese language, every one of you is giving expression to the spirit of ‘One World, One Family, ’ he said.

According to him, participants were helping to strengthen relations between Nigeria and China through their commitment to learning the language.

“You are not only learners of the Chinese language, you are also inheritors and witnesses of the friendship between China and Nigeria and you carry with you the profound hopes of our two peoples for greater understanding and closeness,” he added.

In the secondary school competition, held under the theme “Chasing Dreams Through Chinese, Making Every Moment Count,” Micheal Uchechi Justina of the Confucius Institute at Nnamdi Azikiwe University emerged overall winner with 95.2 points. Umezurike Favour Chinaetugo placed second with 90.6 points, while Okoye Chikadibia Faith came third with 72.6 points.

The inter-university contest was also dominated by students from Nnamdi Azikiwe University. Emmanuel Faith Mba Orjiugo emerged as the winner with 94 points, while Onyeocha Cecilea Ugochi came second with 82.7 points and Okeke Jessica Chinemerem finished third with 79.9 points.

Representing the Federal Capital Territory Education Secretariat, Permanent Secretary Joy Okeke described the secondary school competition as a symbol of enduring educational cooperation between Nigeria and China.

“It is a thing of pleasure and honour to be part of this event in the promotion of cultural and educational exchanges between the two long-time partners, friends and brothers for a better and prosperous future,” she said.

In a virtual address, Director of the Confucius Institute at the University of Lagos, Professor Wushuang, said the Chinese Bridge competition was more than a language contest.

“For young students, Chinese Bridge is much more than a language competition. It’s a stage where curiosity becomes confidence, where learning becomes discovery, and where dreams begin to shape,” she said.

Also speaking, Director-General of the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria, Mohamed Bulama, said the growing popularity of Mandarin studies in Nigeria reflected the strengthening relationship between both countries.

“This is a clear demonstration of the fact that the bilateral ties between Nigeria and China are becoming stronger and stronger — diplomatic, trade, cultural and educational,” he said.

Bulama urged greater collaboration to expand Chinese language education in Nigerian tertiary institutions, noting that Radio Nigeria had partnered with the Chinese Embassy and the China Cultural Centre to introduce a Mandarin language programme known as Ni Hao China.

President of the Society of Nigerian Artists, Muhammad Suleiman, described the competitions as celebrations of cultural exchange and mutual understanding.

“This is not only a contest of language skills, but also a grand event where the two brilliant cultures of China and Nigeria shine together,” he said.

Organisers said the annual Chinese Bridge competition continues to provide a platform for Nigerian students to demonstrate Chinese language proficiency, deepen intercultural understanding and access opportunities for further studies and participation in international competitions.