The Chinese Embassy in Nigeria has donated 15 sets of Chinese language teaching materials and cultural books to secondary schools to support Chinese language education in Nigeria.
The Chancellor of the Chinese Cultural Centre in Abuja, Yang Jianxing, said, “This cross-border attention is a vivid reflection of the friendly bond between China and Nigeria, which is best described by the Chinese saying, ‘Distance cannot separate true friends; even thousands of miles apart, we are still neighbours.
The Chancellor highlighted the importance of educational exchanges and cooperation between China and Nigeria, noting that the “Chinese Corner” has opened a window for Nigerian high school students to learn Chinese and experience Chinese culture.
“High-quality Chinese language textbooks and Chinese cultural books are a shortcut for Nigerian young students to quickly master Chinese and understand Chinese culture,” he said.
Yang expressed his hope that the donation would further deepen China-Nigeria cooperation in Chinese language education and promote mutual understanding and friendship between the two countries.
“We firmly believe that every set of teaching materials donated by PEP today will become a seed of friendship. These seeds will take root, germinate, and grow in the Chinese language classrooms in Nigeria, eventually becoming towering trees that connect the hearts of Chinese and Nigerian youth.”
The Chancellor also announced plans to launch a series of tailor-made Chinese language teaching materials and supporting TV teaching programs in Nigeria in 2026, which will be the “China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges” and the 55th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Nigeria.
Also speaking, the Director/Secretary of FCT Secondary Education Board, Dr Muhammed Sani Ladan, reiterated the significance of the collaboration between the FCT Secondary Education Board and China through the People’s Education Press (PEP), describing the donation as a product of a meaningful and ongoing relationship.
He recalled the visit of the executive of PEP from Beijing, noting that a diplomatic courtesy visit led to impactful educational support and resource sharing.
“Some months ago the executives of the People’s Education Press came all the way from Beijing and it gave birth to this philanthropic donation we are about to witness today.”
Ladan pointed out that the book donation is not just a gift, but a tool for empowerment and long-term knowledge transmission.
“In those books we are going to learn how to catch fish rather than being given a fish.”
He further reinforced the belief that education is transformative. “Education is life, is wealth, and is freedom.”
The Director conveyed deep appreciation to the Chinese Embassy and reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to sustained cultural and educational ties.
“You have genuinely given us life and you have fulfilled the Chinese principles of shared prosperity for humanity.”
