The 23rd edition of the “Chinese Bridge – Chinese Proficiency Competition for Foreign College Students” was held on June 8, 2024, at the China Cultural Center in Abuja, Nigeria.
The global contest, co-hosted by the Center for Language Education and Cooperation and the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria, aimed to boost participants’ enthusiasm for learning Chinese and deepen their cultural understanding.
Organized 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, 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 stressed that the competition has demonstrated that hard work leads to success in learning Chinese, regardless of when one starts.
Similarly, Yu Zhangbao, Chinese Director of the Confucius Institute at the University of Nigeria Nsukka said the competition has greatly inspired more young people to learn Chinese and understand Chinese culture, noting that the contest has “greatly increased the visibility of Chinese teaching in Nigeria in the global Chinese teaching circle.”
Li Xuda, the Cultural Counsellor of the Chinese Embassy and Director of the China Cultural Center in Nigeria, stressed the importance of Nigerians, especially college students, learning the Chinese language. He noted that fluency in Chinese can significantly improve job prospects and earning potential in Nigeria, where the demand for Chinese language skills is on the rise.
The contestants showcased their proficiency in the Chinese language, knowledge of Chinese national conditions, and Chinese cultural skills.
After a series of excellent displays, 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.
Notably, 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.
