By Ochiaka Ugwu
With high expectation for increased partnership between China and Africa that has been growing from strength to strength since inception of China, Nigeria relations in 1971. The expected change, to be encouraged and supported by implementing bilateral agreements and certain initiatives provide a brimming hope and growth possibility for the two entities.
Chinese President, Xi Jinping reiterated and underlined an inclusive strategic educational partnership with Africa in a keynote address titled “Joining Hands to Advance Modernization and Build a Community with a Shared Future” while attending the opening ceremony of the 2024 Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China.
According President Xi, “The Partnership Action for People-to-People Exchanges. China will implement with Africa more solidly the Future of Africa-Vocational Education Cooperation Plan, establish together an engineering technology academy, and build ten Luban Workshops. We will provide 60,000 training opportunities to Africa, mainly for women and youths. We will launch with Africa a Cultural Silk Road program as well as an initiative of cooperation on innovation in radio, TV and audio and visual programs. The two sides have agreed to designate 2026 as the China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges” he said.
However, education being part of China’s Belt and Road push in Africa, China has been spreading its global influence through the building of major infrastructure like railways, ports and bridges. A very vital part of the BRI drive includes spreading Chinese language as well as the belief and aspirations of Communist Party of China (CPC) that is creating a whole lot of impacts in African economic scene.
This reality of mutual benefits was once again demonstrated and brought to fore with the Chinese corporations donating 15 Chinese Corners in 15 secondary schools in Nigeria over a period of 12 years, between 2013 and 2025 to serve as a major hub for cultural integration and education fusion between China and Africa based on mutual respect and win-win cooperation.
Speaking at the latest donation which was at Government Secondary School, Nyanya, in Abuja, sponsored by China Geo-Engineering Corporation (CGC), FCT Mandate Secretary for Education, Dr. Danlami Hayyo while commissioning the project described the establishment of 15 Chinese Corners as a remarkable feat that underscored the strength of China, Nigeria bilateral relations noting that it was a shining testament to the deepening friendship and partnership between Nigeria and China.
Hayyo said, “This occasion is a shining testament to the deepening friendship and partnership between Nigeria and China. The establishment of 14 Chinese Corners with this 15th one about to be commissioned is a remarkable feat that underscores the strength of our bilateral relations.
“On behalf of the Education Secretariat, I extend our profound appreciation to the Chinese people for this enduring show of love not only to our education sector but also to the FCT Administration under the visionary leadership of the Minister of the FCT, Barrister Nyesom Wike Ezenwo (CON).
“Your contributions align with the dynamic and transformative leadership of the Honourable Minister, whose commitment to the development of the FCT continues to touch the lives of residents. These initiatives further demonstrate the benefits of fruitful collaborations. We are proud that the FCT stands out as the only territory in the Federation with as many as 15 Chinese Corners in its schools.
“I assure you that these facilities will be fully utilized for the benefit of both our students and teachers. They will enrich the teaching and learning process, broaden cultural awareness, and equip our students with valuable knowledge of both the Chinese people and our Nigerian heritage. We celebrate this partnership today and look forward to even greater collaborations that will positively shape the future of education in the FCT.
“As I mentioned yesterday, in the recent review of our curriculum, the Chinese language was selected as one of the international languages to be taught in our senior secondary schools. This demonstrates the visionary foresight of the FCT in introducing the subject early enough through the establishment of Chinese Corners” he said.
Speaking earlier, Director/Secretary, FCT Secondary Education Board, Dr. Mohammed Sani Ladan said the Chinese Corners were more than just physical spaces, but symbols of friendship and cooperation.
Ladan noted the corners provide opportunities for students to learn Mandarin, access scholarships, appreciate cultural exchanges, and prepare for global engagement, while also strengthening people-to-people diplomacy between China and Nigeria.
His words, “Chinese Corner initiative of the FCT Secondary Education Board began in 2013 with the prototype at Government Secondary School, Garki. This was followed by eleven more in 2014, another at GSS Wuse Zone 3 in 2024, and today, courtesy of the China Geo-Engineering Corporation (CGC) under their Corporate Social Responsibility, we are adding yet another milestone to this noble journey.
“I sincerely thank the management of CGC, the Government of the People’s Republic of China, Ambassador Yu Dunhai, and Counselor Yang, Jianxing for their invaluable contributions and enduring support to this collaboration.
“This donation, therefore, is nothing short of life-saving for our teeming and hardworking students, who will utilize the facilities, broaden their knowledge, and translate the skills gained into visible victories for the FCT in academic and cultural competitions.
“We thank the China Geo-Engineering Corporation (CGC), led by its Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Che Yuan, for donating yet another Chinese Corner to Government Secondary School, Nyanya, as part of their Corporate Social Responsibility. We are indeed proud to continue promoting nearly six decades of unhindered relations between our two countries” he said.
Also speaking, Executive Director of CGC Nigeria Ltd, Che Yuan who said CGC Nigeria Ltd was dedicated to providing reliable, high-quality infrastructure and has been a trusted partner to the FCT Administration for nearly two decades were delighted to support the educational sector in the FCT and dedicated to offering their contributions to education throughout Nigeria.
He said, “CGC Nigeria Ltd. is dedicated to providing reliable, high-quality infrastructure and has been a trusted partner to the FCT Administration for nearly two decades. Furthermore, we are delighted to support the educational sector in the FCT and are dedicated to offering our contributions to education throughout Nigeria.
“We are very pleased to have participated in the construction of the “Chinese Corner” at GSS Nyanya. Today, with the completion of the “Chinese Corner “classroom, we hope that more children can study here, enjoy the process of learning, and gain more knowledge, thereby adding new chapters to the cultural exchange and friendship between China and Nigeria” he stated.
Cultural Counselor of China Embassy in Nigeria and Director of China Cultural Centre, Yang Jianxing who described the “Chinese Corner” as a unique platform for cultural and educational exchanges, said that it has long become a link connecting Chinese and Nigerian cultures, a bridge narrowing the hearts of young people from the two countries, and one of the most popular cultural check-in spots among teachers and students in Abuja.
“For students, the “Chinese Corner” is not only an immersive classroom for learning Chinese and experiencing Chinese culture, but also a window to observe the world” he said.
China and Nigeria have previously signed various agreements to bolster trade, economic cooperation, cultural exchange and tech transfer, and outside that initiated implementing groups on developing and subsequent implementation of programmes and projects particularly in Nigeria. There has been visible outcomes, strong potential and promising opportunities in these areas, as Chinese companies are reshaping Nigerian’s economic sphere and bridging the infrastructure gaps with many others showing increasing interest in working in the Nigeria economic environment.
In assessing the reality of changing geopolitical graph, at least, it is vital to comprehend the real situation on ground. China has shunned mere rhetorics and has focused greatly on partnership based on domestic African situation, taking into cognizance of Africa’s sustainable development goals and its practical development agenda. It is important to note that the Chinese partnership with Africa is not only in paper, but has led to real actions and projects, with visible positive gains that have really defined China as good partner of Africa with numerous benefits.
