Convener of the African Renaissance Movement (ARM), Dr Aliyu Audu Adagu, has faulted the recent decision by the authorities to include Mandarin Chinese in the senior secondary school curriculum.
In a statement yesterday in Abuja, Adagu claimed that the move was a misplaced priority by those entrusted with the leadership of the country.
The convener, who resigned his appointment as a presidential aide, stressed the need to elevate indigenous languages and invest in them to be vehicles for knowledge, science, and civic education.
He further called on the authorities to equip young Nigerians with practical skills, creativity, and innovation to compete globally without outsourcing sovereignty.
“Fix the Basics First: Address out-of-school children, poor infrastructure, and teachers’ welfare before chasing prestige projects.
“Nigeria must not replace the chains of European colonialism with the velvet ropes of Chinese neocolonialism. Our renaissance is African, our destiny is African, and our education must be the foundation of emancipation, not willful slavery,” Adagu urged.
In a similar vein, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has commissioned another Chinese Corner at Government Secondary School, Nyanya, making it the 15th of such facilities in the federal capital.
Speaking at the event yesterday in Abuja, the Mandate Secretary for Education, Dr Danlami Hayyo, clarified that the initiative reflects the dynamic and transformative leadership of the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, in renovating schools and strengthening international partnerships.
His words: “This occasion is a shining testament to the deepening friendship and partnership between Nigeria and China. The establishment of 14 Chinese Corners, with this 15th one about to be commissioned, is a remarkable feat that underscores the strength of our bilateral relations.
“We are proud that the FCT stands out as the only territory in the federation with as many as 15 Chinese Corners in its schools.
“I assure you that these facilities will be fully utilised for the benefit of both our students and teachers. They will enrich the teaching and learning process, broaden cultural awareness, and equip our students with valuable knowledge of both the Chinese people and our Nigerian heritage.”
The Chinese Embassy Counsellor, Yang Jianxing, described the project as a platform that has become central to cultural and educational exchange.
Chief Executive Officer of the China Geo-Engineering Corporation (CGC), Che Yuan, whose company built the facility, said the project reflects his organisation’s long-standing commitment to education and community development.
