The Chinese government has pledged its readiness to advance Chinese education and cultural exchange initiatives in Nigeria.The Deputy Director, Chinese Cultural Centre in Nigeria, Liu Zhanping, who disclosed this at the celebration of International Chinese Language Day in Abuja, said his country is willing to work with the Nigerian government to take practical measures towards promoting mutual learning and deepening cultural exchanges.
Zhanping described the event as a shared festival for Chinese language enthusiasts worldwide, “carrying the important mission of promoting Chinese language and facilitating cultural exchanges.
The Acting Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Mrs. Akudo Nwosu, commended the Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Yu Dunhai, for his commitment to strengthen the cultural and diplomatic ties between Nigeria and China.
Represented by an assistant director in the ministry, Nseno S. Emiem, Nwosu also lauded the Chinese Cultural Centre for promoting cultural exchange between the two countries. Nwosu noted that both countries shared a long-standing relationship with mutual respect, economic collaboration and cultural exchange.
“From the ancient trade routes that connected Africa and Asia, to the modern-day belt and road initiative, our countries have continually found ways to learn from each other and grow together. The Chinese Language, with its unfathomable history and global relevance, has become a key instrument in strengthening these ties.
Besides, she noted that as Mandarin opens the door to China’s vast economic and technological advancements, Nigeria’s indigenous languages, which is over 500, hold the keys to our heritage, wisdom and creative expression.
“The preservation and promotion of our language are critical to our identity, just as the Chinese Language is to China’s cultural diplomacy,” she noted.
Nwosu also emphasised that enhancing bilateral, and systemic cooperation with China in areas of language education, film, music and literature, would promote Nigeria as a cultural hub through initiatives that showcase our language and traditions on global platforms, just as China has done with its cultural centres worldwide.
She disclosed that the ministry’s 2030 agenda seeks to position Nigeria as a leading destination for arts, culture and tourism, engaging with partners such as China, to create exchange programmes that will allow Nigerians learn Mandarin, while also encouraging Chinese citizens to explore Nigerian languages.
While describing Chinese community in Nigeria as valued partners in Nigeria’s growth, Nwosu urged all Nigerians learning Chinese to embrace the linguistic journey with passion, stressing that it is the gateway to opportunities.
The Director, Education Support Services, Ministry of Education, Larai Nana Ahmed, said there are plans by the ministry to introduce Chinese language programmes in selected schools and universities to provide students with the opportunity to learn the language, and to collaborate with Chinese institutions to train Nigerian teachers.
She also assured that the government will continue to strengthen its partnership with Chinese educational institutions to enhance language learning exchange programmes.
