On September 21, 2026, the Global Finals of the 19th “Chinese Bridge” Chinese Proficiency Competition for Foreign Secondary School Students, involving 124 contestants from different countries, ended at Tianjin Radio and Television Station in China. Nigeria’s representative, Justina Uchechi Michael (Chinese name: Mai Yalan), a 17-year-old student from the Confucius Institute at Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK CI), posted an outstanding performance and ultimately won the “Global Third Prize”. Her coach, Qin Fangfang, was also honored with the “Outstanding Instructor Award.” This marks the second time Qin has received the honor this year, following her recognition at the “Chinese Bridge” competition for university students in August.
Justina’s achievement is particularly remarkable because she has learned Chinese for less than 18 months, and this was her first time participating in an international competition of such scale and intensity. Competing against outstanding students from around the world, she successfully advanced through several rounds to reach the Global Top 30. Notably, Justina was the only contestant among the Global Top 30 who had studied Chinese for less than two years. The other five African contestants who reached the Top 30 had all studied Chinese for more than four years, with one of them participating in the global “Chinese Bridge” competition for the second time.
For a 17-year-old student with less than 18 months of Chinese-language study, such an achievement is particularly impressive. It reflects not only Justina’s dedication and hard work, but also the solid results UNIZIK CI has achieved through years of sustained efforts in Chinese-language teaching, cultural exchange, competition training, and the cultivation of internationally oriented young talents.
This autumn has truly been a season of harvest for UNIZIK CI . Together with Miss Faith Emmanuel Mba’s global third prize in the “Chinese Bridge” Competition for College Students in August, the institute have now won two global third prizes in the “Chinese Bridge” competitions this year.
Since 2018, 13 contestants from UNIZIK CI have represented Nigeria at the global finals of the “Chinese Bridge” competitions in China, and all 13 have successfully reached the Global Top 30 — an outstanding record of 13 appearances and 13 Top-30 finishes. Among them, six have won Global Third Prizes, four have won Global First Prizes, and three have been crowned African Champions. This consistent record of excellence has earned UNIZIK CI a highly visible presence on the global “Chinese Bridge” stage.
A single success may sometimes involve an element of chance, but excellence sustained year after year can only come from long-term dedication, commitment, and perseverance. These honors not only chronicle the inspiring journeys of generations of young Nigerians learning Chinese and discovering China, but also bear witness to the fruitful achievements of UNIZIK CI in advancing international Chinese-language education and strengthening people-to-people and cultural exchanges between Nigeria and China.
Prof Zhang Aiwu, Teacher of Chinese to Speakers of Other Languages (TCSOL), Confucius Institute at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria
