Nigerian students of the Confucius Institute at the Nnamdi Azikiwe University, displayed impressive Chinese language skills and understanding as winners emerged at the 25th Nigeria Regional Finals of ”Chinese Bridge” Chinese Proficiency Competition for Foreign College Students, held Friday, June 5, at the China Cultural Centre, Abuja.

The competition, which brought together government officials, diplomats, cultural stakeholders, educators, and secondary school students from across the FCT to promote language learning and intercultural cooperation, was hosted by the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Nigeria and the Centre for Language Education and Cooperation. It was organised by the Confucius Institute at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State, and the Confucius Institute at the University of Lagos, Lagos State, with the China Cultural Centre in Nigeria as co-organiser. The University of Nigeria (UNN), Chinese Language Classroom Confucius Institute, also presented contestants.

Speaking at the competition themed ”One World, One Family,” Counsellor Yang stated that the contest reflected a shared vision of harmony and cooperation between the two countries.

Language is a bridge between civilizations and a bond that unites hearts and minds. By expressing your thoughts and emotions in fluent Chinese language, every one of you is giving expression to the spirit of ‘One World, One Family,’ he stated and continued.

‘’As participants, you are not only learners of the Chinese language, but also inheritors and witnesses of our friendship as countries, and you carry with you the profound hopes of our two peoples for greater understanding and cooperation,” he noted.

Also speaking, Director-General of the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria, Mohammed Bulama, said the ever-increasing popularity of Mandarin studies in Nigeria reflected the deepening understanding and cooperation between Nigeria and China.

”This is a clear demonstration of the fact that the bilateral ties between Nigeria and the People’s Republic of China are growing stronger and stronger; diplomatic, trade, cultural, and educational,” he stated.

He also underscored Radio Nigeria’s partnership with the Chinese Embassy and the China Cultural Centre through its Mandarin language programme- Ni Hao China.

”We are very proud and happy to do so, and I want to assure you that we will continue to promote this programme and give it all the distinction that it deserves,” he declared.

Meanwhile, eleven students drawn from the three Confucius Institutes competed before a panel of five professional Chinese judges, including Mr. Fanyangheng, Deputy General Manager, Mutual Commitment Company. The contest was scored out of 100 points across four segments: Chinese Knowledge Quiz, Chinese Singing Competition – “Flying High with Chinese”, Chinese Cultural Talent Performance Video, and Impromptu Question and Answer Session.

The inter-university competition was dominated by students from the Confucius Institute at the Nnamdi Azikiwe University. Emmanuel Faith Mba Orjiugo emerged as the winner with 94 points, while Onyeocha Cecilea Ugochi came second with 82.7 points, and Okeke Jessica Chinemerem grabbed the third position with 79.9 points.

With his victory, Emmanuel Faith Mba Orjiugo will represent Nigeria at the global finals of the “Chinese Bridge” competition.