China has graduated over 40 Nigerians from its 2026 Chinese Language Programme Phase 1, using the milestone to reinforce cultural exchange and deepen bilateral ties between both countries.

The graduation ceremony, held at the China Cultural Centre in Nigeria alongside the “Journey to China – Northeast China Cultural Salon,” brought together students, teachers, and diplomats to celebrate the participants’ completion of the first phase of the language training.

Speaking at the event, the Counsellor of the China Cultural Centre, Yang Jianxing, described the Chinese language as a gateway to understanding one of the world’s oldest civilisations and unlocking opportunities in China-Nigeria relations.

“Chinese is one of the most widely spoken languages in the world, carrying the genetic link of 5,000 years of Chinese civilisation,” Yang said, adding that the language embodies China’s cultural heritage and serves as “a common cultural treasure of all humankind.”

He noted that Chinese is one of the six official languages of the United Nations and has gained global prominence, with more than 190 countries and regions teaching it and over 200 million learners worldwide.

Congratulating the graduates, Yang said, “You, our dear students, our treasure, our friends, you are an important part of this Chinese language society,” while also commending instructors for their dedication.

Highlighting China’s development agenda, he pointed to the country’s 15th Five-Year Plan (2026–2030) as a framework for sustained economic growth and international cooperation.

“China will further promote high quality economic and social development, strengthen cultural exchanges and cooperation with other countries, including our dear friends, Nigeria, and share development opportunities with them,” he said.

According to him, mastering the Chinese language offers Nigerians a strategic advantage in engaging with China across sectors. “Learning Chinese is undoubtedly a crucial shortcut to gaining a comprehensive understanding of China and realising one’s dreams through participation in mutually beneficial cooperation between China and Nigeria,” Yang added.

The cultural salon segment of the event focused on Northeast China, a region Yang described as rich in agriculture, culture, and tourism potential. “Zhongguo Dongbei boasts numerous ethnic groups, warm and welcoming people, beautiful scenery, and delicious cuisine,” he said, encouraging participants to explore the region.

He further noted that the programme aligns with the 15th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Nigeria and the China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges. “I hope that more and more Nigerian friends will learn Chinese language, understand China further, and enhance exchanges, so that we can work together to elevate the China-Nigeria comprehensive strategic partnership to a new level,” he said.

In a separate address, another director at the centre urged the graduates to remain committed to learning and self-development, drawing on Chinese philosophical teachings. He warned that neglecting education in youth could lead to regret later in life, stressing the importance of discipline and continuous growth.

“The study of Chinese language and culture has just begun for you,” he said, encouraging participants to combine Chinese knowledge with their own cultural heritage and global exposure to build a broader worldview.

Among the graduates, Blessing Ikenna Ihiana described her experience in the programme as challenging but ultimately rewarding, highlighting the depth of cultural immersion required to master the language.

Reflecting on her journey, Ihiana said learning Chinese initially appeared daunting. “The journey has not been too easy. When I first started, I thought Chinese was very difficult, but with my teachers, I got to find out that learning Chinese is very interesting,” she said.

She explained that beyond vocabulary and pronunciation, understanding Chinese culture is essential to grasping the language. “You can’t learn the language without knowing about the culture, and it’s been a very great journey,” she added.

Ihiana, who has attained the HSK3 level—the highest currently offered at the centre—said she intends to advance further as more levels become available. “For now, we are the highest level here, but we plan to go to higher levels,” she noted.

Recounting how she enrolled in the programme, she said her interest in languages led her to discover Chinese learning opportunities in Nigeria. “I saw someone writing Chinese characters and became curious. He told me he studied in China and referred me to someone at the China Cultural Centre, and that’s how I started,” she explained.

She acknowledged that mastering Chinese characters remains one of the most demanding aspects of the learning process due to their distinct writing system. However, she described the challenge as intellectually stimulating. “Their writing system has significant meaning. Most of it comes from pictures, and it’s very logical—you combine elements to form words,” she said.

Despite not having visited China, Ihiana demonstrated fluency in spoken Chinese during the event and expressed admiration for the country’s culture. She said she enjoys Chinese films, traditional attire, and the broader cultural heritage.

“I like their culture, their writing system, and I love watching their movies and learning more about China,” she said, also delivering part of her remarks in Chinese.

The graduate expressed optimism about future opportunities to visit China and deepen her language proficiency, as the programme continues to expand cultural and educational exchanges between both countries. (Nigerian Tribune)