Nigerian college students have displayed their proficiency in Chinese language tests aimed to boost participants’ enthusiasm for learning Chinese and deepen their cultural understanding.
The global contest was the 23rd edition of the “Chinese Bridge – Chinese Proficiency Competition for Foreign College Students” which was held at the China Cultural Center in Abuja and co-hosted by the Center for Language Education and Cooperation and the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria.
The contestants showcased their proficiency in the Chinese language, knowledge of Chinese national conditions, and Chinese cultural skills during the thrilling event, which was held on Saturday.
After a series of excellent demonstrations, Jorason Precious Idowu emerged as the winner of the competition, Zhou Betty Segun-Chang and Benjamin Favour Chidera came second while Omoleye Deborah Oluwapelumi, Ukachikwu Chizurum Nwanneka and Tiamiyu Adam Adedeji emerged third.
The winner of the contest will have the opportunity to travel to China and compete in the global “Chinese Bridge” competition.
The event was organised by the China Cultural Center in Nigeria in collaboration with the Confucius Institute of the Nnamdi Azikiwe University and the Lagos State University. The competition attracted contestants from various higher institutions in the country.
In his remarks, the Cultural Counsellor of the Chinese Embassy and Director of the China Cultural Center in Nigeria, Li Xuda, highlighted the importance of Nigerians, especially college students, learning the Chinese language. He pointed out that fluency in Chinese language can significantly improve job prospects and earning potential in Nigeria, especially as the demand for Chinese language skills was on the rise.
Also reacting, Zhao Hongling, Dean of the University of Lagos Confucius Institute, said the competition aims to boost participants’ enthusiasm for learning Chinese and deepen their cultural understanding. He explained that the competition has shown that hard work leads to success in learning Chinese, regardless of when one starts.
Contributing, Yu Zhangbao, Chinese Director of the Confucius Institute at the University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN), said the competition has been an inspiration to many young people to learn Chinese language and understand Chinese culture, adding that the contest has “greatly increased the visibility of Chinese teaching in Nigeria in the global Chinese teaching circle.”
Recall that a Nigerian scholar emerged as the winner of the competition in the African category last year, confirming the growing interest and success of Nigerians in the Chinese language