MANDARIN CHINESE EDUCATION IN NIGERIA: PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE

Abstract

The emergence of China as a major global economic, political, and cultural power has generated increasing interest in Mandarin Chinese as a foreign language worldwide, including in Africa. In Nigeria, the study and teaching of Mandarin have transitioned from informal, commerce-driven interactions to formalized, institutionalized programs integrated into universities, secondary schools, and national education policy frameworks. This paper provides a comprehensive analysis of Mandarin Chinese education in Nigeria, exploring its historical evolution, current status, and prospective future developments. Drawing on academic literature, policy documents, and institutional reports, the study situates the expansion of Mandarin education within the broader context of Nigeria–China relations, international diplomacy, and China’s cultural and educational outreach through Confucius Institutes. The paper identifies key challenges, including shortages of qualified local instructors, infrastructure limitations, and uneven policy implementation, as well as debates over the role of foreign language promotion in relation to indigenous languages. It further highlights the opportunities presented by growing economic and diplomatic engagement with China, curricular inclusion at secondary and tertiary levels, and the potential for localized capacity building. The study concludes that the long-term sustainability and expansion of Mandarin Chinese education in Nigeria depend on strategic investment in teacher training, curriculum development, and institutional capacity, as well as a balanced approach to multilingual education that aligns global competencies with national linguistic priorities.