By Gabriel Ameh
Nigerian students have demonstrated impressive Mandarin language proficiency and cultural knowledge at the Nigerian regional finals of the Chinese Bridge Chinese Proficiency Competition, securing qualification spots for the global finals scheduled to hold in China.
The competition, which featured the 19th edition for foreign secondary school students and the 25th edition for foreign university students, took place at the China Cultural Centre in Abuja.
Participants were drawn from the Confucius Institutes at Nnamdi Azikiwe University and the University of Lagos, alongside the Chinese Language Programme of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka.
Contestants were evaluated through prepared speeches, cultural and artistic performances, as well as impromptu question-and-answer sessions conducted entirely in Mandarin to assess their fluency and understanding of Chinese culture.
At the end of the competition, Michael Uchechi Justina of the Confucius Institute at Nnamdi Azikiwe University emerged winner in the secondary school category. Umezurike Favour Chinaetugo finished second, while Okoye Chikadibia Faith secured third place.
In the university category, Emmanuel Faith Mba Orjiugo clinched the top prize, followed by Onyeocha Cecilia Ugochi in second place and Okeke Jessica Chinaemerem in third.
Notably, the top three winners in both categories were all students of the Confucius Institute at Nnamdi Azikiwe University.
The winners are expected to represent Nigeria at the Global Chinese Bridge Finals in China, where they will compete with outstanding students from different countries around the world.
Speaking during the event, the Cultural Counsellor of the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria, Yang Jianxing, described the competition as an important platform for promoting educational and cultural exchanges between Nigeria and China.
He stated that learning Mandarin provides students with opportunities to better understand Chinese history, literature and traditions while building stronger global connections.
According to him, the secondary school category was held under the theme, “Chasing Dreams Through Chinese, Making Every Moment Count,” while the university category focused on “One World, One Family.”
Yang noted that the themes highlighted the importance of language in promoting mutual understanding and fostering friendship across cultures.
He commended Nigerian schools and institutions investing in Chinese language education, noting that their efforts had contributed to the growing popularity of Mandarin among Nigerian youths.
The envoy also highlighted the significance of the 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Nigeria and China as well as the China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges.
He pledged continued support for educational partnerships, language programmes and youth exchange initiatives between both countries.
Permanent Secretary of the Federal Capital Territory Education Secretariat, Mrs. Joy Okeke, praised the Chinese Embassy for its commitment to educational cooperation in Nigeria.
She emphasized that language learning remains essential for cultural exchange, economic cooperation and global understanding.
Okeke disclosed that several schools within the FCT already operate Chinese cultural corners where students learn Mandarin alongside cultural activities including martial arts, traditional dance and arts.
She reaffirmed the FCT Administration’s commitment to expanding Chinese language education in public schools.
Also speaking, Director-General of the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN), Dr. Mohammed Bulama, described the competition as a reflection of strengthening Nigeria-China relations in education, culture, trade and diplomacy.
Bulama advocated wider adoption of Chinese language programmes in Nigerian universities, stressing that Mandarin proficiency would create new global opportunities for Nigerian youths.
He also highlighted the collaboration between Radio Nigeria and the Chinese Embassy through the “Ni Hao China” programme, which promotes Chinese language and culture among Nigerian audiences.
The Chinese Bridge Competition remains one of China’s leading international language and cultural exchange programmes, providing young people from different countries with a platform to demonstrate language skills while promoting friendship and cross-cultural understanding.
