Chinese Language Grows in Nigeria with the Establishment of 15th Chinese Corner in Abuja

By: Michael Mike

The learning of Chinese language in the country continues to gain mileage as the 15th Chinese Corner established in secondary schools within the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja as part of the learning and cultural exchange between Nigeria and China.

The corners are built within 15 different secondary schools in the FCT.

The “Chinese Corner” is not only an immersive classroom for learning Chinese and experiencing Chinese culture, but also a window to observe the world as the Chinese language is the one of the most spoken language in the world.

Speaking at the launch of the 15th Chinese Corner at the Government Secondary School, Nyanya which is coming up about 24 hours after the inauguration of the 14th on Tuesday, Dr. Danlami Hayyo,

FCT Mandate Secretary for Education, said that the initiative is a remarkable feat that underscores the strength of China-Nigeria bilateral relations.

While commending the Chinese authorities, Hayyo assured them that the 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.”

He also thanked the China Geo-Engineering Corporation (CGC), led by its Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Che Yuan, for donating the Chinese Corner to Government Secondary School, Nyanya, as part of their Corporate Social Responsibility.

On his part, CGC Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Che Yuan assured Nigeria of the company’s commitment to providing reliable, high-quality infrastructure in the FCT.

“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 said.

Chinese Language Grows in Nigeria with the Establishment of 15th Chinese Corner in Abuja

Curriculum Review: Nigeria Secondary Schools to now Offer Chinese Language- Mandarin- FCT

By: Michael Mike

The Chinese language, Mandarin has been added as one of the foreign languages to be offered in Senior Secondary Schools across the country in the newly reviewed secondary school curriculum.

This was disclosed on Tuesday by the Education Secretary, Federal Capital Territory Administration, Dr. Danlami Hayyo at the inauguration of the Chinese Corner at the Government Secondary School Tudun Wada, Abuja.

The project was sponsored by the biggest Chinese construction company in Nigeria, China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility.

Hayyo noted the foresight of the FCT education board which introduced Mandarin in schools in FCT before the latest review of the curriculum.

He said: “May I inform you that in the recent review of our Curriculum, the Chinese language has been selected as one of the international languages to offer in Senior Secondary Schools.

“That is to say that, the FCT has been very visionary in introducing the subject in our schools through the Chinese corners early enough. Chinese Mandarin has the largest number of speakers in the world and today it has become the language of commerce, education and tourism.

“Our decision to delve into Chinese education and culture is a wise move.”

The FCT Education Secretary also disclosed that the inauguration of the new centre on Tuesday brings to 14 the number of Chinese centres in Abuja.

The centres he said are established in Secondary schools across the Federal Capital city.

He said: “The bilateral relations has seen to the establishment of 13 Chinese corners and having the commissioning

of the 14th Corner in G.S.S Tudun Wada today.”

The corners, he said “have greatly enhanced education and cultural exchange between Nigeria and China. It has opened a window for better understanding and appreciation of our various cultures and it has also given our students the opportunity to pursue their further education in China.”

He also pointed out that staff and teachers have benefitted from the collaboration by attending capacity building in China.

“Today we are proud to say that it is only the FCT that has Chinese Corner in her schools in the whole federation,” he added.

On behalf of the Minister of FCT, Nyesom Wike, the Education Secretary also appreciated the Chinese government and Embassy for their support and commitment to promote people to people exchange for the good of all.

“Your friendship has confirmed what the Chinese say as “Hai nei Cun zhiji tianya ruo bi lin” (a bosom friend brings distant lands near),” concluded.

In his remarks, the Chinese Counselor, Yang Jianxing said that the idea of the Chinese Corner was birthed as a result of China’s appreciation of the mutual relationship between both countries.

He explained, “Twelve years ago, out of the cherishment for China-Nigeria friendly relations and the expectation for cultural exchanges between the two countries, the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria and the FCT Secondary Education Board of Nigeria joined hands to establish the “Chinese Corner” as a unique platform

for cultural and educational exchanges.

“Over the past more than ten years, this seemingly simple platform 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. Chinese is one of the most widely spoken languages in the world.”

He also added: “ The Chinese diplomatic missions in Nigeria will also continue to support China-Nigeria cooperation in various fields such as culture and education, and continuously promote the building of a closer China-Africa and China-Nigeria community with a shared future.

“Today, the inauguration of the “Chinese Corner” is not an end, but a new starting point for cultural exchanges between China and Nigeria.”

In his welcome address, the Director/Secretary of FCT Secondary Education Board, Dr. Muhammed Ladan said the initiative is a testimonial of the strong bilateral relations between China and Nigeria.

He stressed that the initiative “aims at promoting mutual understanding and people to people exchanges.”

He pointed out that “The Chinese Corners aims at not just fostering people to people exchanges but to provide resources for learning Mandarin and potential scholarship to China. It is also to strengthen diplomatic relations through artistic collaboration.”

Providing background information, Ladan said that “the FCT – SEB came into existence in 2013 with the prototype in G.S.S Garki, before the other eleven added in 2014. By 2024 one more was added at G.S.S Wuse Zone 3, and this year two more are about to be added, courtesy of prominent Chinese companies in Nigeria”.

Curriculum Review: Nigeria Secondary Schools to now Offer Chinese Language- Mandarin- FCT

Tinubu Says 126 million Nigerians now captured in National Identity Database

…30 arrested for operating fake registration centres

By: Michael Mike

President Bola Tinubu has announced that over 126 million Nigerians have been enrolled in the National Identity Database with their National Identity Numbers, NIN.

The President, who was represented by the Secretary to the Government of Federation, Senator George Akume, at the 7th National Day of Identity, organised by the National Identity Management Commission, NIMC held on Tuesday in Abuja, said the government is interested in a Nigeria where every citizen’s identity is recognized, verifiable, and protected, and where no one is left behind in the journey toward development.

The President while lauding the Commission for clearing over 2.5 million backlog records within the past two years. said it was commendable that NIMC succeeded in arresting over 30 fraudulent individuals for setting fake registration centres, stressed that the National Day of Identity is a reminder that in the 21st century, identity is more than just a record. It is the foundation of citizenship, the gateway to opportunity, and the anchor for national security.

He noted that this year’s theme, “Public Key Infrastructure:Backbone to Digital Public Infrastructure,” speaks to a future that is already unfolding. Public Key Infrastructure, or PKI, is not a distant aspiration. It is the

backbone that supports our digital transformation, ensuring that the identity of every Nigerian is secure, trusted, and usable across all platforms.

He added that PKI is central to the integrity of our Digital Public Infrastructure. It provides the secure digital trust upon which all services, including financial transactions,

healthcare, education, agriculture, security, and governance, are built. Without PKI,

digital interactions remain vulnerable. Without PKI, citizens cannot fully trust that

their data and transactions are secure. But with PKI, Nigeria can build an ecosystem

where trust is guaranteed, fraud is reduced, services are streamlined, and every

citizen can engage with government and private institutions with confidence.

President Tinubu expressed delight that the mobile and web self-service applications has processed more than half a million record updates, and deployed over 800 mobile enrolment devices nationwide alongside new territorial offices for better oversight.

Tinubu further assured Nigerians that his administration remains committed to strengthening digital infrastructure and identity management as part of the Renewed Hope Agenda.

He said: “Behind this number are workers who can now claim their pensions without fear of fraud. There are students who can now access loans and scholarships with ease. There are farmers who receive targeted incentives that boost productivity and strengthen food security. There are displaced persons and vulnerable groups who now have proof of identity that enables them to benefit from humanitarian support. This is the true power of identity, and this is the progress we celebrate.

“Importantly, this expansion has reached beyond our borders. More than 200 diaspora centres now serve Nigerians abroad, while dedicated enrolment exercises have registered refugees, internally displaced persons, and inmates of correctional facilities. In addition, a disability inclusion policy has been rolled out, training more than 5,000 enrolment agents to better serve persons with disabilities. These efforts demonstrate our commitment to leave no one behind.

“To sustain this growth, the Commission has upgraded its systems. The national database has been expanded from a capacity of 100 million records to 250 million, ensuring that no Nigerian will be excluded as enrolment continues. More than 1,500 enrolment devices are in operation across the country, complemented by over 200 centres established in the diaspora to serve Nigerians abroad. These achievements underscore the seriousness with which we are pursuing universal coverage.

“In addition, NIMC has harmonized and integrated 125 partner agencies, creating a unified ecosystem that reduces duplication, saves costs, and improves service delivery. This includes integration with the Immigration Service for passport issuance, the Federal Inland Revenue Service for tax records, the National Population Commission for birth registration, the National Health Insurance Authority for healthcare enrolment, and UBEC for school records. Working with the NCC, NIMC has enforced the NIN-SIM linkage, which has significantly reduced fraud and enhanced national security.

“Operational excellence has also been prioritized. The Commission has invested in the training of its staff, the provision of modern work tools, the creation of a world-class customer care center, and an ultra-modern audiovisual studio for public engagement. Staff welfare has been improved with the approval and implementation of salary adjustments, promotions for over 2,800 personnel, and the construction and rehabilitation of enrolment centers nationwide.

“At the same time, clampdowns on extortion and phishing sites have safeguarded citizens and protected the integrity of the system. Working with the Police and security agencies, NIMC has arrested over 30 fraudulent operators, shut down illegal centres, and maintained ISO 27001:2022 certification, a global benchmark for data security. The launch of the High Availability Verification Service now ensures 99.9% uptime for identity verification”.

He highlighted the benefits of the National Identity Number (NIN) to include seamless access to government services, improved financial inclusion, enhanced national planning, and strengthened security architecture.

According to him, the NIN has become a vital tool for streamlining social intervention programmes, eliminating ghost beneficiaries, and ensuring that subsidies and welfare reach the right people.

He added that it also facilitates access to banking, telecommunications, healthcare, and education services, while boosting citizens’ participation in the digital economy.

President Tinubu stressed that the integration of the NIN into various sectors would reduce identity fraud, improve revenue collection, and position Nigeria to compete globally in technology-driven development.

The Minister of Interior, Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, on his part, said: “As a Minister of Interior I commit my Ministry to the steady work of integration. We will continue to modernise our services, expand secure enrolment and verification across government, and ensure that identity driven services are delivered with dignity, protection and predictability.

“The investments we make today in PKI, data centres and secure enrolment will be the collateral for Nigeria’s digital economy tomorrow. They will enable secure cross border commerce, diaspora engagement and global trust in Nigerian credentials.”

The Director General/CEO of NIMC, Engr Abisoye Coker-Odusote in her remarks disclosed that 52 percent of Nigerians in the diaspora have been captured in the National Identity database, while 85 percent of inmates in Nigeria Correctional Centres have also been enrolled.

Coker-Odusote said NIMC infrastructures have been upgraded across the country and outside with over 200 enrolment centres, while about 125 agencies of government and institutions have had the National Identity Numbers harmonised with NIMC. She added that with upgraded infrastructures, NIMC has reduced time spent on NIN enrolment by 49 percent, while extortion of citizens have been eliminated.

She dismissed claims of compromise of NIMC database infrastructures, saying that NIMC systems are the most secure in the country with global standards and practices that prioritised security, trust and integrity.

The event was among others attended by the Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Prince Lateef Fagbemi SAN, Minister of Budget and National Planning, Alhaji Atiku Bagudu, Minister of State for Works, Bello Mohammed Goronyo and Minister of Agriculture, Senator Abubakar Kyari

Tinubu Says 126 million Nigerians now captured in National Identity Database