Nigerian students showcased remarkable Mandarin language skills and cultural knowledge 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, which featured the 19th edition for foreign secondary school students and the 25th edition for foreign college students, was held at the China Cultural Centre in Abuja. Participants were drawn from the Confucius Institutes of Nnamdi Azikiwe University and the University of Lagos, as well as the Chinese Language Programme of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka.
Contestants were assessed through a combination of prepared speeches, cultural and artistic performances, and impromptu question-and-answer sessions, all conducted in Chinese to test their language proficiency and understanding of Chinese culture.
At the end of the contest, Michael Uchechi Justina of the Confucius Institute at Nnamdi Azikiwe University emerged winner in the secondary school category. Umezurike Favour Chinaetugo secured second place, while Okoye Chikadibia Faith finished third.
In the college category, Emmanuel Faith Mba Orjiugo claimed the top prize, followed by Onyeocha Cecilia Ugochi in second place and Okeke Jessica Chinaemerem in third. The top three contestants in both categories were all from the Confucius Institute at Nnamdi Azikiwe University.
The winners will go on to represent Nigeria at the Global Chinese Bridge Finals in China, where they will compete alongside outstanding students from across the world.
Speaking at the event, Cultural Counsellor of the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria, Yang Jianxing, described the competition as a valuable platform for strengthening educational and cultural ties between Nigeria and China.
He noted that learning Chinese opens a window into one of the world’s oldest civilizations and provides young people with opportunities to engage more deeply with Chinese history, literature and traditions.
According to Yang, the secondary school competition was held under the theme, “Chasing Dreams Through Chinese, Making Every Moment Count,” while the university category focused on “One World, One Family.” He said both themes reflected the role of language in promoting mutual understanding and building connections 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.
He also highlighted the significance of this year as the 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Nigeria and China and the China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges. He pledged continued support for language programmes, educational partnerships and youth exchange initiatives aimed at bringing citizens of both countries closer together.
Permanent Secretary of the Federal Capital Territory Education Secretariat, Mrs. Joy Okeke, praised the Chinese Embassy for its sustained commitment to educational cooperation in Nigeria.
She emphasized that language learning plays a critical role in cultural exchange, economic interaction and global understanding. Okeke noted that several FCT schools already operate Chinese cultural corners where students are exposed to Mandarin language studies alongside cultural activities such as martial arts, traditional dances, arts and crafts.
She reaffirmed the FCT Administration’s commitment to expanding access to Chinese language education in 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 relations between Nigeria and China in areas such as education, culture, trade and diplomacy.
Bulama advocated wider adoption of Chinese language programmes in Nigerian universities, arguing that proficiency in Mandarin would create new opportunities for Nigerians in an increasingly interconnected world.
He also highlighted the partnership between Radio Nigeria and the Chinese Embassy, particularly the “Ni Hao China” programme, which promotes Chinese language and culture to Nigerian audiences.
The Chinese Bridge Competition is one of China’s foremost international language and cultural exchange programmes. Held annually in countries around the world, it provides students with a platform to demonstrate their Mandarin proficiency while fostering friendship and cross-cultural understanding among young people from diverse backgrounds.
