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Nigeria adds Mandarin to school curriculum to foster cross-nation relations

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Nairobi, Kenya
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Nigeria is progressing toward transforming its education policy. Having recently conducted a national curriculum review, the administration has introduced Mandarin for inclusion into the senior secondary school curriculum.

This decision highlights Nigeria’s growing ties with China and signals a shift in how its largest demographic is preparing for work and education in an increasingly interconnected global economy of trade, diplomacy, technology, and learning. This begs the question of what it means for Nigerian Gen Z students, and what it means for China’s growing influence on the continent.

Nigeria is China’s second-largest trading partner in Africa, sending billions of dollars between the two nations annually. From major infrastructure investment in railways and highways to its increasing investment in oil, gas, and tech, China’s impact in Nigeria is sizable.

By adding Mandarin to schools, Nigeria is betting on the future. Officials argue that language is a gateway to opportunity, helping young Nigerians access jobs, scholarships, and networks in one of the world’s most powerful economies.

In an increasingly interconnected world, being multilingual is not just a skill, it’s currency. And with Mandarin spoken by more than 1 billion people globally, Nigeria’s students may find themselves better equipped to thrive in international spaces.

Nigeria is not going through this alone – Kenya, Ghana, Uganda, and South Africa have integrated Mandarin into their curricula in the last decade as well. To support this drive, the Chinese government has funded many of these initiatives through Confucius Institutes in dozens of African universities.

This education diplomacy is part of a broader ‘soft power’ strategy combining culture and language, not just trade deals. For African governments, it’s often framed as a win-win, students gain global skills while deepening ties with an influential partner.


The youth perspective

For Nigeria’s Gen Zers, the implications are double-edged. On the one hand, students studying Mandarin would open up doors to scholarships at Chinese universities, and technology exchange programs while pursuing careers with multinational companies doing business in Africa.

However, critics have pointed out how valuing Mandarin now presents a challenge for Nigerian languages, many of which are also endangered. Others argue that these languages indicate a growing dependence on China, which raises questions around cultural sovereignty and balance.

Not too long ago, English and French were two dominant languages students would encounter. Now, students are just as likely to experience Arabic, Portuguese, and most recently Mandarin.

For Gen Z Nigerians, this presents an opportunity to consider themselves not just as inhabitants of one country, but contributors in a global society. It’s aspirational and fits in with the whole point of schooling.

Education policy often seems dry, but this development is about much more than textbooks. It demonstrates Nigeria’s aim of preparing its youth to thrive in a multipolar world, especially with China being a central player.

By introducing Mandarin into its schools, Nigeria is making clear its desire to nurture a relationship with China. For Gen Z Nigerians, this could mean a pathway to global employment opportunities, cross-cultural exchange, and a world of discovery.

But it will not come without its challenges. With questions over cultural balance, sovereignty, and the influence of foreign powers in shaping African, can this vision of collaboration truly be achieved?

As Nigeria joins other African countries in engaging in the study of Mandarin, today’s classrooms are preparing young people for a world where bridging cultures might be their most valuable skill.

Writer Nairobi, Kenya

I’m Derrick (He/Him), a Journalism and Mass Communication graduate from the Technical University of Mombasa, Kenya. Currently I write about trending topics and major issues affecting Africa for Thred, specifically concerning SDGs. View my Twitter here if you’d like to send me feedback.

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