The Federal Government has approved the introduction of the Chinese language into the Senior Secondary School curriculum, with the policy set to begin in the 2025/2026 academic session.
The move comes after a review of the Basic and Senior Secondary Education Curriculum by the Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC), under the Federal Ministry of Education. With this change, Chinese will now be offered alongside French and Arabic as part of the foreign language options available to students.
Education officials explained that Mandarin will be optional, not compulsory, giving students the chance to choose it as an international language. They added that the inclusion is aimed at helping students develop skills and cultural knowledge that could improve their global competitiveness.
Announcing the development at the inauguration of the 14th Chinese Corner at Government Secondary School, Tudun Wada, Abuja, the Secretary of Education for the Federal Capital Territory, Dr. Danlami Hayyo, said:
“May I inform you that in the recent review of our curriculum, the Chinese language has been selected as one of the international languages to offer in senior secondary schools.
He added that, Chinese Mandarin has the largest number of speakers in the world, and today it has become the language of commerce, education, and tourism. Our decision to delve into Chinese education and culture is a wise move.”
