Students from Nigerian institutions demonstrated impressive Chinese language skills and cultural understanding as winners emerged at the Nigerian regional finals of the 19th Chinese Proficiency Competition for Foreign Secondary School Students and the 25th Chinese Proficiency Competition for Foreign College Students, popularly known as the “Chinese Bridge” Competition.
The event, held at the China Cultural Centre, brought together contestants from the Confucius Institutes of Nnamdi Azikiwe University and University of Lagos, as well as the Chinese Language Programme of University of Nigeria, Nsukka.
Speaking at the event, Cultural Counsellor of the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria, Yang Jianxing, described the competition as an important platform for language learning and cultural exchange between China and Nigeria.
He said Chinese language serves as a gateway to understanding China’s rich civilisation, literature, history and cultural heritage. He encouraged participants to pursue their dreams through language learning and use the competition as motivation to deepen their understanding of Chinese culture.
Yang noted that the theme of this year’s secondary school competition was “Chasing Dreams Through Chinese, Making Every Moment Count,” while the college category was themed “One World, One Family.”
According to him, language remains a vital bridge connecting civilisations and fostering mutual understanding among peoples. He commended Nigerian institutions and educators who have continued to promote Chinese language education across the country.
He reaffirmed the commitment of the Chinese Embassy and the China Cultural Centre to supporting Confucius Institutes and Chinese language classrooms, expanding learning opportunities and creating more platforms for youth engagement between both countries.
Also speaking, Permanent Secretary of the Federal Capital Territory Education Secretariat, Joy Okeke, described language as more than a communication tool, noting that it serves as a vehicle for cultural transmission, commerce and human interaction.
She praised the Chinese Embassy for promoting Mandarin language education in Nigeria and disclosed that schools in the Federal Capital Territory currently host Chinese cultural corners where students are exposed to language learning, Wushu, cultural dances, lion dances, arts and crafts, as well as other exchange programmes.
Okeke expressed appreciation for the growing educational cooperation between Nigeria and China and reiterated plans to expand Chinese language learning in FCT schools.
Director-General of the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria, Mohammed Bulama, also commended the organisers and described the competition as evidence of strengthening bilateral relations between both countries.
He called for broader introduction of Chinese language studies in Nigerian tertiary institutions, stressing China’s growing importance in global affairs.
Bulama highlighted the partnership between Radio Nigeria and the Chinese Embassy, including the Mandarin language programme, “Ni Hao China,” which aims to promote greater understanding of Chinese language and culture among Nigerian audiences.
He expressed optimism that initiatives such as the Chinese Bridge Competition would further strengthen educational, cultural and people-to-people ties between Nigeria and China while creating new opportunities for Nigerian youths.
Publisher of Africa China News, Xiaopeng Zheng was also at the event.
Participants competed through a combination of Chinese-language speeches, talent performances and impromptu question-and-answer sessions designed to assess their proficiency, cultural knowledge and communication skills.
In the secondary school category, Michael Uchechi Justina of the Confucius Institute at Nnamdi Azikiwe University emerged overall winner. Umezurike Favour Chinaetugo secured second place, while Okoye Chikadibia Faith finished third. All three winners represented the same institution.
In the college category, Emmanuel Faith Mba Orjiugo of the Confucius Institute at Nnamdi Azikiwe University claimed first position. Onyeocha Cecilia Ugochi came second, while Okeke Jessica Chinaemerem placed third.
The winners will represent Nigeria at the Global Chinese Bridge Finals in China, where they will compete alongside contestants from different countries around the world.
The annual Chinese Bridge Competition is one of China’s flagship international language and cultural programmes, providing students worldwide with opportunities to showcase their Mandarin proficiency and deepen cross-cultural understanding.
