Nigeria Adds Mandarin to Senior Secondary School Curriculum as New International Language Option

The Federal Government of Nigeria has officially introduced Mandarin Chinese as one of the optional foreign languages in the Senior Secondary School curriculum, starting from the 2025/2026 academic session. This comes as part of a recent overhaul of the Basic and Senior Secondary Education Curriculum, aimed at broadening students’ global skills and enhancing cultural exchange.


The announcement was made by Dr Danlami Hayyo, Secretary of Education for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), during the commissioning of the 14th “Chinese Corner” at Government Secondary School, Tudun Wada in Abuja. These “Chinese Corners” are cultural-educational centres, often established with support from Chinese partners, which provide teaching materials and resources to support Mandarin lessons in schools.


Mandarin will sit alongside established international languages such as French and Arabic as an option for students in senior secondary schools. The move is backed by both the Federal Government and Chinese institutions, which have donated teaching materials and backed the expansion of Chinese language learning in Nigeria.


Proponents of the decision argue that learning Mandarin opens up career opportunities, enhances Nigeria’s trade and diplomatic ties with China, and equips youths with language skills increasingly relevant in a globalised economy.


Critics, however, caution about implementation challenges, including the availability of qualified Chinese language teachers, adequate learning materials, and ensuring that the addition does not displace focus on indigenous languages or other core subjects.


What do you think of this new addition to the curriculum? Is it feasible or not?

Share to: