In September 2025, the Nigerian government introduced Mandarin Chinese as one of the optional foreign languages in the senior secondary school curriculum, joining Arabic and French.
The move was part of a broader curriculum review and comes alongside the expansion of “Chinese Corners” language and cultural hubs in secondary schools that expose students to Mandarin learning environments and resources.
This shift reflects Nigeria’s recognition of China’s increasing global role, not only in commerce, infrastructure and diplomacy but in technological and engineering innovation.
For Nigeria’s tech and engineering communities, the introduction of Mandarin in schools may be more than a cultural or linguistic gesture: it may offer a strategic lever for capacity building, collaboration, and competitiveness.
Tech & Engineering in Nigeria: Ambition, Gaps, and Potential
Nigeria has made significant strides in its tech sector. As of 2022, about 481 tech startups were operating across the country, employing over 19,000 people. The fintech segment alone accounts for nearly half of startup employment.
Further, the country is investing heavily in technical skill development. In 2023, the government launched the 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) Programme, aimed at training three million Nigerians in digital and technical skills by 2027. Nigeria also holds the potential to earn $40 billion annually from its tech talent, according to estimates from NITDA, if it can close certain skills gaps.
Yet challenges remain. There is a striking 90.6 percent cybersecurity workforce gap, with only about 25,760 cybersecurity professionals in a country of over 220 million people, far less than needed by global benchmarks. Unemployment and underemployment among tech professionals are still issues.
Tech & Engineering Feats in China: What Nigeria Can Learn
China’s global positioning in tech, engineering, research, and innovation is widely acknowledged. In 2025, China entered the top 10 in the UN’s Global Innovation Index for the first time, replacing Germany. It contributes about a quarter of global patent filings and is making strong investments in R&D.
Engineering education in China is often accompanied by world-class research labs, strong institutional support, and hands-on work from early stages.
From applied materials, artificial intelligence, sustainable energy technologies, infrastructure (including rail, bridges, renewable energy), to advanced manufacturing, China makes major gains not only because of technology but because of the entire ecosystem: collaboration of universities, industry, government, and linguistic, cultural integration that supports innovation across borders.
Insights from a Nigerian in China
Adesiyan Jubril Bisola, a Nigerian Computer Science student in China, offers a ground-level perspective on how Mandarin strengthens academic and professional prospects.
“Knowing the Chinese language has improved my interpersonal relationships with classmates and enhanced my interactions with academic staff, including professors and associate professors,” he says.
According to Jubril, fluency in both English and Mandarin creates a powerful academic advantage:
“Having an understanding of both Mandarin and English provides a more robust foundation in technology and, by extension, enables students to thrive in both academic and research work, as it offers the opportunity to review course and research materials in both languages.”
Jubril also notes China’s well-equipped labs as a standout feature:
“One notable area of innovation in Chinese universities is the availability of well-equipped research laboratories, which provide students with valuable opportunities to engage in hands-on research related to their coursework.”
Early Learning, Lasting Impact
Jubril believes Nigeria’s decision to teach Mandarin early can reshape opportunities when he says:
“Learning Chinese Mandarin at an early age will promote cross-cultural communication among Nigerian children, enabling them to interact effectively with their peers in China and other Mandarin-speaking regions.
His encouragement for the young Nigerians who might want to develop careers across fields revolves around focusing on learning the at early stages of life.
“Additionally, having an understanding of the Chinese language will enhance employment opportunities for young Nigerians… Most importantly, learning Mandarin early will provide access to Chinese academic resources, both online and in printed materials.”
However, he cautions that Nigeria must address a critical gap: resources allocation as well as local tutors’ training.
Boosting Nigeria’s Global Tech Competitiveness
Nigeria’s engineers and software developers already “know their onions,” Jubril insists:
“Nigeria’s tech workforce is performing well globally… Having a better understanding of Mandarin would be a valuable consideration.”
For startups and entrepreneurs seeking Chinese partners or investors, he stresses the business edge:
“Proficiency in the Chinese language will be a strategic asset for Nigerian startups aiming to expand into the Chinese market, as this will enable effective communication, thereby enhancing investor confidence and facilitating successful negotiation and deal-making.”
Even in everyday life, simple greetings break barriers:
“A simple ‘Nǐ hǎo… xiè xie’ has helped me make a few friends. People naturally feel attracted to those who can speak a language they understand,” he adds with a smile.
What the Future Holds for Mandarin-Speaking Nigerians
If implemented well, Mandarin instruction could bring:
Global collaboration and research: access Students with Mandarin skills can engage in joint projects and access Chinese-language technical resources.
Stronger job-market competitiveness:
Mandarin adds value in roles requiring cooperation with Chinese suppliers, investors, or research partners.
A broader talent pipeline:
Nigeria’s youth-heavy population, 70 percent under 35, will have new pathways in AI, cybersecurity, and engineering.
Jubril’s advice to aspiring learners is practical:
“YouTube is a good place to start. Language translator apps and tutorial apps like Duolingo, Pleco, and HelloChinese are excellent resources for beginners. Interestingly, those who consider studying in China can also learn Mandarin at both undergraduate and graduate levels, as it is often part of the coursework.”
Talking Point
Nigeria’s decision to introduce Mandarin into the senior secondary school curriculum, coupled with “Chinese Corners” in schools, says more than linguistic diversity, it’s a strategic move tied to the country’s tech and engineering aspirations.
With the right implementation, teacher training, resource allocation, and alignment with existing ambitions like the 3MTT programme, Nigeria could amplify its $40+ billion tech talent potential, reduce its cybersecurity and digital skills deficits, and strengthen global collaboration.
For students like Adesiyan Jubril Bisola, knowing Mandarin is already improving academic integration and opening new horizons.
For the nation, widespread Mandarin literacy among tech and engineering communities could open doors across borders, industries, and innovation frontiers, that are only just beginning to emerge.
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