Nigerian students demonstrated impressive Mandarin language proficiency and deep knowledge of Chinese culture as winners emerged at the Nigerian regional finals of the Chinese Bridge Chinese Proficiency Competition, earning the opportunity to represent the country at the global finals in China.
The competition, comprising the 19th edition for foreign secondary school students and the 25th edition for foreign university students, took place at the China Cultural Centre in Abuja. Participants were drawn from the Confucius Institutes at Nnamdi Azikiwe University and the University of Lagos, as well as the Chinese Language Programme of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka.
Contestants were evaluated through prepared speeches, cultural and artistic presentations, and impromptu question-and-answer sessions conducted entirely in Mandarin, testing both their language competence and understanding of Chinese culture.
At the end of the competition, Michael Uchechi Justina of the Confucius Institute at Nnamdi Azikiwe University emerged winner in the secondary school category. Umezurike Favour Chinaetugo placed second, while Okoye Chikadibia Faith secured third position.
In the university category, Emmanuel Faith Mba Orjiugo clinched first place, followed by Onyeocha Cecilia Ugochi in second place and Okeke Jessica Chinaemerem in third. Notably, the top three contestants in both categories were from the Confucius Institute at Nnamdi Azikiwe University.
The winners will represent Nigeria at the Global Chinese Bridge Finals in China, where they will compete with outstanding students from different countries around the world.
Speaking at the event, Yang Jianxing, Cultural Counsellor at the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria, described the competition as an important platform for strengthening educational and cultural exchanges between Nigeria and China.
He noted that learning Mandarin provides access to one of the world’s oldest civilizations and creates opportunities for young people to engage more deeply with Chinese history, literature and traditions.
According to Yang, the secondary school competition was themed *”Chasing Dreams Through Chinese, Making Every Moment Count,”* while the university category focused on *”One World, One Family.”* He said both themes underscored the role of language in fostering mutual understanding and building bridges across cultures.
The envoy commended Nigerian schools, teachers and institutions that have invested in Chinese language education, noting that their efforts have contributed significantly to the growing popularity of Mandarin among Nigerian youths.
Yang also highlighted the significance of this year as the 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Nigeria and China, as well as the China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges. He reaffirmed China’s commitment to supporting language programmes, educational partnerships and youth exchange initiatives aimed at strengthening ties between citizens of both countries.
Permanent Secretary of the FCT Education Secretariat, Mrs. Joy Okeke, praised the Chinese Embassy for its sustained support for educational cooperation in Nigeria.
She stressed that language learning plays a vital role in promoting cultural exchange, economic engagement and global understanding. According to her, several schools within the Federal Capital Territory already operate Chinese cultural corners where students study Mandarin and participate in cultural activities, including martial arts, traditional dances, arts and crafts.
Okeke reaffirmed the commitment of the FCT Administration to expanding access to Chinese language education across public schools.
Also speaking, Director-General of the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN), Dr. Mohammed Bulama, said the competition reflected the growing strength of Nigeria-China relations in education, culture, trade and diplomacy.
He advocated broader adoption of Chinese language programmes in Nigerian universities, noting that proficiency in Mandarin could open new opportunities for Nigerians in an increasingly interconnected global economy.
Bulama also highlighted the collaboration between Radio Nigeria and the Chinese Embassy through the “Ni Hao China” programme, which promotes Chinese language and culture to Nigerian audiences.
The Chinese Bridge Competition remains one of China’s leading international language and cultural exchange initiatives. Held annually across the world, the programme provides students with a platform to showcase their Mandarin proficiency while promoting friendship, cultural exchange and mutual understanding among young people from diverse backgrounds.
