Nigerian College Students Shine in Chinese Language Proficiency Test

Some Nigerian college students have demonstrated their remarkable proficiency in a Chinese language tests which was designed to enhance their enthusiasm for learning Chinese and deepen their cultural understanding of the language.

Nigerian college students have demonstrated remarkable proficiency in Chinese language tests, designed to enhance their enthusiasm for learning Chinese and deepen their cultural understanding.

The global contest, the 23rd edition of the “Chinese Bridge – Chinese Proficiency Competition for Foreign College Students,” was held at the China Cultural Center in Abuja. It was co-hosted by the Center for Language Education and Cooperation and the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria.

Contestants showcased their skills in the Chinese language, knowledge of Chinese national conditions, and Chinese cultural talents during the event, which took place on Saturday.

After a series of impressive performances, Jorason Precious Idowu emerged as the winner of the competition. Zhou Betty Segun-Chang and Benjamin Favour Chidera secured second place, while Omoleye Deborah Oluwapelumi, Ukachikwu Chizurum Nwanneka, and Tiamiyu Adam Adedeji took third place.

The winner of the contest will have the opportunity to travel to China and compete in the global “Chinese Bridge” competition.

The event was organized by the China Cultural Center in Nigeria in collaboration with the Confucius Institutes of Nnamdi Azikiwe University and Lagos State University. It attracted contestants from various higher institutions across the country.

In his remarks, Li Xuda, Cultural Counsellor of the Chinese Embassy and Director of the China Cultural Center in Nigeria, emphasized the importance of Nigerians, especially college students, learning the Chinese language.

He noted that fluency in Chinese can significantly improve job prospects and earning potential in Nigeria, as the demand for Chinese language skills continues to rise.

Zhao Hongling, Dean of the University of Lagos Confucius Institute, highlighted that the competition aims to boost participants’ enthusiasm for learning Chinese and deepen their cultural understanding.

He pointed out that the competition demonstrates that hard work leads to success in learning Chinese, regardless of when one starts.

Yu Zhangbao, Chinese Director of the Confucius Institute at the University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN), added that the competition has inspired many young people to learn Chinese and understand Chinese culture. He mentioned that the contest has “greatly increased the visibility of Chinese teaching in Nigeria in the global Chinese teaching circle.”

Notably, a Nigerian scholar won the competition in the African category last year, underscoring the growing interest and success of Nigerians in learning the Chinese language.

READ ALSO: 80-Year-Old Chinese Teacher Sets Guinness World Record for Longest Career

SOURCES: ALLSCHOOL, LEADERSHIP