IN a landmark educational innovation, New Horizons Nigeria has become the first institution to integrate the Chinese (Mandarin) language into its ICT curricular, as an elective, thereby positioning Nigerian students for relevance in the rapidly changing world order.
The firm is a leading ICT training and solutions provider committed to provide individuals and institutions with future-ready skills. Through innovative programmes, global partnerships, and strategic foresight, the organisation continues to redefine education, workforce development, and global competitiveness.

With over 80 per cent of global consumer products manufactured in China and China’s growing dominance in global supply chains and labour markets, the firm recognises the urgent need for the current generation to understand, speak, and engage with the Chinese language and culture.
According to the Managing Director and CEO of New Horizons Systems Solutions Limited, Nigeria, Tim Akano, the programme represents far more than a language course.
He asserted that very soon, the global labour market would increasingly reflect China’s influence rather than the predominantly western orientation it currently exhibits.

“Language will be a major differentiator and the first Chinese-speaking technology experts in Nigeria will have a significant advantage, especially in integration into Chinese companies operating locally and globally.
“Therefore, New Horizons Nigeria has officially launched a Mandarin Scholarship Programme with China Advancement Opportunity, selecting 100 outstanding students from five prominent Nigerian secondary schools. This initiative marks a major milestone in Nigeria–China educational cooperation and reflects a forward-thinking response to shifting global economic realities,” Akano said.
He disclosed that the scholarship programme has commenced with an intensive three-month online Mandarin training, adding that at the end of the programme, the top-performing students would be selected strictly on merit, while 20 outstanding students would receive an additional scholarship valued at $2,500 per students to participate in a one-year pre-degree Mandarin and cultural immersion programme in China.
“From this group, the best candidates will progress to fully funded admission scholarships into top universities in China. This initiative is designed not only to build language proficiency but also to enhance global competence, international exposure, and cultural intelligence among Nigerian students.
“Also, to maintain international academic standards, participating schools are required to comply with strict guidelines.
“They will be obligated to join the online classes 10 minutes earlier. They must have a minimum of 85 per cent attendance throughout the programme, and must ensure they have a stable Internet connectivity, reliable power supply and a conducive learning environment.
“Therefore, school owners and administrators have been formally congratulated and strongly encouraged to nominate their most disciplined and committed students, as advancement to the China programme will be strictly merit-based,” Akano stated.
He, however, said that apart from students, international businessmen are equally encouraged to attend New Horizon’s Mandarin executive lessons, which will equip them with basic Chinese language to enhance their business communications.
“Additionally, while the pilot phase begins with selected secondary schools, which include Startrite School, Lightway School, British Nigerian Academy School, Honeyland Schools and Great Heights School, the Mandarin programme will be available as an elective ICT course at all New Horizons retail centres.
“This is done to extend access to students and learners beyond its partner schools and within one year, committed learners will be able to communicate effectively in Mandarin, which will open doors to global employment, trade, and cultural exchange.”
Akano said a Mandarin Cultural Fiesta would be hosted, bringing together educators, students, institutional partners, and distinguished guests from China and Nigeria. The event, he said, would celebrate outstanding performance, cross-cultural exchange, and the strengthening of bilateral educational ties.