- Li Xuda, Cultural Counselor of the Chinese Embassy, notes a rise in Nigerians learning Chinese, especially among students
- Xuda highlights plans to expand Confucius Institutes in Nigerian universities and acknowledges the country’s cultural diversity
Li Xuda, Cultural Counselor of the Chinese Embassy and Director of the China Cultural Center in Nigeria, revealed that there has been a noticeable increase in Nigerians learning the Chinese language recently.
During the International Chinese Language Day celebration at the Chinese Cultural Centre in Abuja over the weekend, Xuda highlighted the growing interest in learning Chinese among Nigerians, particularly high school and college students.
He mentioned the establishment of two Confucius Institutes in Nigeria, one at Lagos University and another at the University of Nnamdi Azikiwe. Additionally, plans are underway to collaborate with more Nigerian universities, such as ABU and the University of Abuja, to potentially establish more Confucius Institutes.
Xuda noted the existence of several Chinese language learning centers and classes in Nigeria, fulfilling the aspirations of many Nigerians to learn Chinese, with numerous individuals in Abuja taking advantage of opportunities at the cultural center.
Acknowledging Nigeria’s rich cultural diversity with over 250 ethnic groups and 500 languages, including Hausa, Igbo, and Yoruba, Xuda emphasized the importance of celebrating Nigeria’s languages as integral parts of world culture.
The UN Chinese Language Day, observed annually on April 20, aims to celebrate cultural diversity and promote the equal use of all six official languages within the organization. Xuda highlighted the global significance of the Chinese language, spoken by over 1 billion people worldwide, with many individuals speaking it as a second or third language.
Meanwhile, the Federal Government expressed its commitment to fostering cultural exchange between Nigeria and China. James Sule, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Culture and Creative Economy/Tourism, emphasized the Ministry’s dedication to promoting multicultural understanding and appreciation.
Recognizing language as a vital bridge between cultures, Sule affirmed the Ministry’s support for language education and initiatives encouraging the learning of the Chinese language among Nigerians, aiming to enhance cultural literacy and global connectivity.