In a strategic move to align Nigerian tech talent with the shifting dynamics of the global digital economy, New Horizons Nigeria has announced the integration of Chinese Mandarin language training into its ICT curriculum, reports ITREALMS.
This initiative makes New Horizons the first private ICT training institution in Nigeria to formally bridge the gap between linguistic proficiency and technical expertise, specifically targeting the vast opportunities within the Chinese-led global technology ecosystem.
To kickstart this integration, New Horizons Nigeria launched a Mandarin Scholarship Programme in partnership with China Advancement Opportunity.
This program is initially focused on 100 high-achieving students from five premier Nigerian secondary schools, including Startrite, Lightway, British Nigerian Academy, Honeyland, and Great Heights.
Beyond the immediate language skills, the top 20 performers will receive an additional scholarship valued at $2,500 each, while exceptional candidates will be fast-tracked for fully funded admission scholarships into top-tier Chinese technical universities.
Speaking on the development, Tim Akano, the Managing Director of New Horizons Nigeria, emphasized that language is becoming a critical differentiator in the tech industry.
He noted that the first wave of Chinese-speaking technology experts in Nigeria will have a massive competitive advantage.
As Chinese tech firms continue to dominate global infrastructure and local investment, Nigerian professionals who can navigate both the code and the language will be indispensable for integration and leadership roles.
The program is designed as an elective ICT course, ensuring it complements rather than replaces core technical subjects like Coding, AI, and Robotics.
While it is currently running in selected partner secondary schools via a three-month intensive online module, the Mandarin-ICT elective will soon be available at all New Horizons retail centers nationwide.
This expansion will allow university students and working professionals to gain a unique dual skill set that addresses a critical soft skill gap often hindering Nigerian firms from fully optimizing partnerships with Asian tech giants.
For the Nigerian ICT community, this represents a significant shift in professional development.
With China serving as a major trade partner and a global leader in 5G, AI, and hardware manufacturing, Mandarin-literate tech professionals are likely to become the new elite in Nigeria's outsourcing and local tech-support sectors.
By fostering these skills early, New Horizons is positioning the next generation of Nigerian innovators to lead in an increasingly multipolar digital world.
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