Nigeria Adds Mandarin to Secondary School Curriculum

In a bold move signaling Nigeria’s deepening global and economic ambitions, the Federal Government has officially added Mandarin Chinese to the list of languages to be taught in senior secondary schools nationwide.

The decision, confirmed by the Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman, follows a comprehensive review of the national curriculum by the Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC). Starting from the 2025/2026 academic session, Mandarin will be offered as an elective subject alongside French, Arabic, Igbo, Yoruba, and Hausa for students in SS1 through SS3.

“This is not just about learning a new language, it’s about preparing our youth for the realities of a multipolar world,” Prof. Mamman said during a press briefing in Abuja. “China is one of Nigeria’s largest trading partners. Our students must be equipped to engage, compete, and collaborate globally.”

Why Mandarin? Why Now?

China’s footprint in Nigeria has grown exponentially over the past two decades, from infrastructure projects like railways and ports to telecoms, manufacturing, and even scholarships for Nigerian students. Trade between the two countries exceeded $20 billion in 2023, and thousands of Nigerian professionals now work with or for Chinese firms.

Until now, however, formal education in Mandarin was limited to private language institutes, universities, or Confucius Institutes, mostly inaccessible to the average Nigerian student.

With this curriculum update, Nigeria joins a growing list of African countries — including Kenya, South Africa, and Uganda that have introduced Mandarin in public schools to strengthen economic and cultural ties with Beijing.

How Will It Work?

Elective Subject: Students can choose Mandarin, alongside French or Arabic.
Teacher Training: The government says it’s partnering with the Chinese Embassy and Confucius Institutes to train and certify local teachers.
Textbooks & Materials: NERDC is adapting and localizing Mandarin learning resources, with pilot materials expected before September.
Exams: Mandarin will be eligible for WAEC and NECO examinations within two years.

Mixed Reactions

The announcement has sparked both excitement and skepticism.

Supporters, including business leaders and parents in urban centers, say it’s a pragmatic step toward future job opportunities.

“My daughter wants to study engineering in China on a scholarship,” said Mrs. Funke Adeyemi, a parent in Lagos. “If she can start learning the language now, why not?”

But critics question the timing and logistics — especially with Nigeria’s education system still struggling with teacher shortages, overcrowded classrooms, and inconsistent electricity.

“How do we teach Mandarin when some schools don’t even have functional libraries or enough English textbooks?” asked Dr. Emeka Okafor, an education policy analyst. “Let’s fix the basics first.”

Responding to the post shared on X, formerly Twitter, by Nigeria Stories citizens also reacted to the development.

@ImIfeanyionuoha wrote via his X handle

Brilliant! Now students can say ‘We’re hungry’ in two languages while sitting in classrooms with no chairs, no teachers, and no light. Instead of fixing education, we’re importing syllables. Next, they’ll teach Russian so students can complain about ASUU strikes internationally.

@el_obisesan also responded thus:

They likely couldn’t repay the Chinese loan, and China seems to be playing a long-term game. In the years ahead, I hope China doesn’t take over our country. God, please don’t let them rename my family from Obisesan to Xin Shin

@AJ_Daniel6

Nigeria introducing Mandarin into the secondary school curriculum could open up more diplomatic, cultural, and economic ties with China, but let’s hope we’re also investing equally in our local languages and global tech skills.

Others have raised cultural concerns, wondering if prioritizing Mandarin might sideline indigenous African languages, though officials insist all local languages remain core to the curriculum.

The Federal Ministry of Education states that implementation will commence gradually, starting with selected pilot schools in each state, and is expected to be nationwide by 2026.

For now, Nigeria’s teenagers may soon find themselves practicing “Nǐ hǎo” (你好 — Hello) alongside quadratic equations and civic education, a small linguistic shift that could open huge doors.