Chinese Consul General Applauds Grace Schools for Advancing Chinese Language, Strengthening Nigeria-China Ties

ByNewsmakers

Jul 20, 2026 #Chinese classroom Lagos, #Chinese Consul General, #Chinese language education, #Confucius Institute UNILAG, #Grace Schools, #Nigeria-China relations, #Yan Yuqing

Left: Mrs. Olatokunbo Edun, CEO, Grace Schools and Ms. Yan Yuqing, Chinese Consul General in Lagos, during the Consul General's visit to the school.

Segun Atanda/

The Chinese Consul General in Lagos, Ms. Yan Yuqing, has commended Grace Schools for its commitment to promoting the Chinese language and culture, describing the initiative as a significant contribution to strengthening bilateral relations between Nigeria and China.

Speaking during a visit to the school, Yuqing praised Grace Schools for integrating Chinese language studies into its curriculum, noting that the initiative has helped deepen cultural understanding and foster closer ties between the two countries.

She disclosed that the Chinese Consulate would expand its collaboration with the school through additional cultural and educational programmes aimed at promoting the Chinese language, arts and cultural heritage.

Expressing her excitement during the visit, the Consul General said she felt “as if I were in a Chinese school,” adding that she fell in love with Nigeria from her very first visit to the country. She applauded Grace Schools for maintaining high standards in the teaching and use of the Chinese language.

In her welcome address, the Chief Executive Officer of Grace Schools, Mrs. Olatokunbo Edun, expressed appreciation to the Consul General for the visit, describing it as another milestone in the enduring relationship between the institution and China.

Edun noted that the visit marked the second time a Chinese Consul General would visit the school, a development she said underscored Grace Schools’ pioneering role in promoting Chinese language education in Lagos and Nigeria.

She revealed that the school had made substantial investments in Chinese language education through its strategic partnership with the Confucius Institute, University of Lagos, which has facilitated the training of several teachers in the teaching and effective use of the language.

According to her, the school’s vision is to provide quality education that prepares students to compete successfully on the global stage.

“Our goal is to nurture globally competitive scholars who will excel in their chosen fields and make meaningful contributions to society,” she said.

The event featured a variety of colourful cultural presentations, including Chinese language performances, a documentary on Chinese learning, Chinese songs and demonstrations of traditional Chinese culture.

A major highlight of the occasion was an impressive performance by the renowned Badagry Sato Drum troupe, which added a rich Nigerian cultural flavour to the event.

The Consul General also toured the school’s pioneering Chinese language classroom, recognised as the first dedicated Chinese classroom established in Lagos, where she interacted with students and teachers.