Micheal Uchechi Justina of the Confucius Institute at Nnamdi Azikiwe University emerged winner of the 19th Nigeria Division of the Chinese Bridge Chinese Proficiency Competition for Secondary School Students, scoring a total of 95.2 points.
The competition, held on Friday at the China Cultural Centre in Abuja, brought together secondary school students from across Nigeria in a celebration of Chinese language learning and cultural exchange between China and Nigeria.
The event was jointly organized by the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria and supported by Confucius Institutes across the country, highlighting the growing popularity of Mandarin language education among Nigerian students and strengthening people-to-people relations between both nations.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Yang Jianxing, representing the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria and the China Cultural Centre, described the competition as a milestone in bilateral cultural cooperation.
“Today, we are gathered at the China Cultural Center in Nigeria to host the 19th Nigeria Division ‘Chinese Bridge’ Chinese Proficiency Competition for Secondary School Students,” “This is a momentous occasion in the field of language and cultural exchange between China and Nigeria.”he said .
Yang commended the Confucius Institutes at Nnamdi Azikiwe University and the University of Lagos for their commitment to Chinese language education.
“It is your steadfast commitment and quiet dedication that have allowed the Chinese language to take root and flourish on this vibrant land,” he said.
This year’s edition was held under the theme “Chasing Dreams Through Chinese, Making Every Moment Count.” Participants were encouraged to use the platform to develop their language skills and pursue global opportunities.
“You are all in the prime of your youth, and your choice to learn Chinese and step onto the ‘Chinese Bridge’ stage is itself an act of courage and commitment,” Yang added.
He also noted that 2026 marks the 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Nigeria and the China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges, pledging continued support for youth cultural exchange programmes.
Representing the Federal Capital Territory Education Secretariat, Permanent Secretary Mrs. Joy Okeke described the competition as a symbol of educational cooperation between both countries.
“It is a thing of pleasure and honour to be part of this event in the promotion of cultural and educational exchanges between the two long-time partners, friends and brothers for a better and prosperous future,” she said.
Okeke emphasized the role of language in cultural understanding and national development, commending Chinese language initiatives in FCT schools.
Also speaking virtually, Professor Wushuang, Director of the Confucius Institute at the University of Lagos, described the Chinese Bridge competition as a platform for transformation rather than just a contest.
“For young students, Chinese Bridge is much more than a language competition. It’s a stage where curiosity becomes confidence, where learning becomes discovery, and where dreams begin to shape,” she said.
She noted that despite challenges in Chinese language education in secondary schools, the dedication of teachers, students, and institutions has remained strong.
“Today you are already winners. You have shown great courage by accepting the challenge, determination by preparing for this competition, and passion through your commitment to learning Chinese,” she added.
At the end of the competition, Micheal Uchechi Justina topped the leaderboard with 95.2 points, followed by Umezurike Favour Chinaetugo with 90.6 points, and Okoye Chikadibia Faith with 72.6 points.
Other participants scored as follows: Tiamiyu Hafsah Oluwaseyi (66.6), Adekoya Precious (61.9), Udokwu Miracle Kosisochukwu (57.5), Taiwo Oluwapamilerinayo Theodora (54.0), and Tete Maxwell (53.7), all representing the Confucius Institute at the University of Lagos.
The annual Chinese Bridge competition continues to serve as a global platform for young learners to demonstrate proficiency in Chinese language and deepen cultural understanding between China and participating countries.