FCT EDUCATION SECRETARIAT CELEBRATES 15TH CHINESE CORNERS IN SCHOOLS.

By: Odugbo Sarah

The FCT Secondary Education Board, under the Education Secretariat, has rolled out the drums to celebrate the inauguration of the 14th and 15th Chinese Corners in FCT Senior Secondary Schools. The newly established centers are located at Government Secondary School Tudun-Wada and Government Secondary School Nyanya.

Speaking at the colorful event, the Mandate Secretary for Education, Dr. Danlami Hayyo, described the back-to-back establishment of the two Chinese Corners as a remarkable feat that underscores the strength of bilateral relations between Nigeria and China.

He noted that the contributions of the Chinese Embassy align with the dynamic and transformative leadership of the FCT Minister, Barr. Nyesom Wike, CON, whose commitment to the development of the FCT continues to impact the lives of residents. Dr. Hayyo commended the Chinese Embassy and the two Chinese construction companies for their enduring show of love to the education sector and the FCT Administration, describing the initiative as “a shining testament to the deepening friendship and partnership between the two countries.”

The Mandate Secretary further disclosed that the FCT is proud to stand out as the only territory in the Federation with as many as 15 Chinese Corners in its schools. He added that in the recent review of the Senior Secondary School curriculum, the Chinese language was included as one of the international languages to be taught in FCT schools.

In his welcome address, the Director/Secretary of the FCT Secondary Education Board, Dr. Sani Ladan, explained that the Chinese Corner initiative of the Board, which began in 2013, represents more than just physical spaces. According to him, they are “symbols of friendship and cooperation between Nigeria and China.”

Dr. Ladan highlighted the benefits of the initiative, including opportunities for FCT students to learn Mandarin, access scholarships, participate in cultural exchanges, and prepare for global engagement. He emphasized that such collaborations strengthen people-to-people diplomacy between the two countries. He further called on stakeholders to support the initiative, stressing that the Board operates an open-door policy where no genuine NGO is excluded.

Speaking earlier, the Cultural Counselor of the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria and Director of the Chinese Cultural Centre, Mr. Yang Jianxing, recalled that 22 years ago, the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria and the FCT Secondary Education Board jointly initiated the establishment of Chinese Corners. He expressed optimism that the newly inaugurated centers will usher in new development opportunities and play a greater role in promoting mutual understanding and friendship between the two nations.

The highlights of the ceremony included the official inauguration of the two Chinese Corners and the presentation of an appreciation award to the Cultural Counselor by Government Secondary School Nyanya.