The Consul General of the People’s Republic of China in Lagos, Yan Yuqing, recently visited Grace Schools, Gbagada, Lagos, to assess the institution’s Chinese language programme and discuss expanding educational cooperation between the two countries.

Yuqing toured the school’s facilities, including its pioneer Chinese classroom, and observed students deliver presentations in Mandarin.

She expressed satisfaction with the level of interest in the Chinese language and culture among the students.

“I am excited to visit this great school and to see many Nigerian students who love the Chinese language, history, and culture. I feel excited as if I am in a Chinese school,” she added.

She commended the school for sustaining Chinese instruction, adding that the Consulate looks forward to expanding its cultural and educational collaboration with the school in recognition of its sustained commitment to fostering intercultural understanding through language, arts, and cultural exchange.

Yuqing noted that education remains central to bilateral relations, stressing that by teaching Mandarin, schools like Grace are positioning students as future contributors to cultural understanding.

She promised continued support through scholarships, study materials, and cultural exchanges.

On broader cooperation, she said China, as the world’s second-largest economy, remained committed to supporting Africa’s development in agricultural modernisation, industrial growth, and technical training, within what she described as a framework of “win-win cooperation.

She also referenced existing sister-city ties between Lagos and Guangdong Province, and Qingdao in China, saying such relationships create opportunities for teacher and student exchanges as well as joint research.

The Chief Executive Officer of Grace Schools, Olatokunbo Edun, said the visit was the second time a Chinese Consul General had visited the school.

She described it as an endorsement of the school’s efforts in global education and cross-cultural learning.

Edun said the decision to integrate the Chinese language into its curriculum was made 16 years ago. She said it was part of the school’s effort to produce students who can compete internationally and understand cultures beyond Nigeria.

She attributed the programme’s continuity to the school’s partnership with the Confucius Institute at the University of Lagos (UNILAG), through which several teachers have received specialised training in Mandarin instruction.

Edun stated that the school’s vision is to provide quality education that prepares students to excel on the global stage

She reminded us that language has the power to build bridges, foster friendship, and create opportunities across cultures.

Edun said the school has organised several learning trips to China for students since starting the programme.

“The context of the visit reflects growing demand for Mandarin in Nigeria. Trade, infrastructure projects, and scholarship opportunities have pushed more schools to introduce Chinese. At the same time, educators and policy stakeholders continue to raise questions about curriculum standardisation, teacher supply, and post-secondary pathways for students who study the language at the secondary school level.

The event was attended by school management, teachers, students, and representatives of the Confucius Institute at UNILAG.

Grace Schools runs both primary and secondary sections in Lagos and has maintained Chinese language teaching for the last 16 years as part of its c