The Chinese Embassy in Nigeria has launched a new platform to promote education and cultural exchange in Nigeria to foster greater understanding and cooperation between the two countries.

The platform, otherwise known as Chinese Corner was commissioned at the Government Secondary School (GSS) Nyanyan, Abuja on Wednesday.

Chinese Corner seeks to provide opportunities for Nigerian students and scholars to engage with Chinese culture, language, and education system, while also promoting people-to-people diplomacy and bilateral relations.

The project, funded by the China Geo Engineering Corporation (CGC), marks the 15th Chinese Corner established in FCT schools since the initiative began in 2013.

Speaking on behalf of the Chinese Embassy, the Cultural Counsellor Yang Jianxing explained that the Chinese Corner has grown into a vital platform for cultural and educational exchange between the two countries. 

He said, “The Chinese Corner has become a bridge connecting us and Nigerian cultures, and a window for students to observe the world noting that many students have secured Chinese Government Scholarships, pursued studies in China, or gained employment in Chinese companies through the programme.

The counselor applauded the CGC’s role in donating and constructing the new facility, calling it a reflection of the company’s commitment to social responsibility and China–Nigeria friendship.

The Representative of CGC Nigeria Ltd, Che Yuan stressed that education plays important roles in sustaining social development of a country thereby nurturing the future generations.

According to him, “The platform is dedicated towards providing reliable, high quality infrastructure and has been a trusted partner to the FCT administration for nearly two decades.

“We are delighted to support the educational sector in FCT and we are dedicated to offering our contributions in the education throughout Nigeria.”

In his address, the Director/Secretary of the FCT Secondary Education Board, Dr. Muhammed Sani Ladan, described the new corner as a hub for learning Mandarin, accessing scholarships, and advancing people-to-people diplomacy.

He recalled that the first Chinese Corner was established at GSS Garki in 2013, followed by eleven more in 2014, and another in 2024 at GSS Wuse Zone 3. The two new additions in 2025 and today in Nyanyan which demonstrated the growing importance of the initiative.

Ladan expressed appreciation to the Chinese Embassy and CGC for their continuous support, describing their contributions as “a legacy written in gold in the annals of our history.”

The Secretary for Education, FCT, Dr. Danlami Hayyo, highlighted the strategic role of the Chinese Corners in shaping future opportunities for Nigerian students.

“The collaboration between the FCT-SEB and the Chinese Embassy has greatly enhanced cultural and educational exchange. It has opened a window for better understanding and appreciation of our cultures and given our students opportunities for further studies in China,” he said.

Dr. Hayyo also announced that Mandarin has been officially introduced into the FCT senior secondary school curriculum as one of the international languages. He described this as a visionary step, given Mandarin’s global importance in commerce, tourism, and education.

He further thanked the People’s Education Press of China for donating books and developing Chinese language programmes tailored for Nigerian classrooms, ahead of the 2026 China–Africa Year of People-to-People Exchange and the 55th anniversary of Nigeria–China relations.

The inauguration ended with cultural displays and student performances that showcased the richness of both Nigerian and Chinese traditions. 

The occasion witnessed top government officials in the education officials, representatives of the Chinese Embassy, CGC executives, principals, teachers, and students.