A China-based Nigerian educator and author, Esther Oladimeji, has urged Nigerians, especially children, to learn the Chinese language in order to take advantage of the opportunities it offers.
Oladimeji made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria on Friday in Lagos, while speaking on her latest children’s book titled “Sade and Walee Take Amala to China”.
She said early exposure to the Chinese language would equip children with global skills without disconnecting them from their cultural roots.
The author said, “I believe that Chinese should be introduced in the curriculum because kids need it.
“It is time for Nigerian kids to grasp the Chinese language. It is going to open a lot of opportunities for both worlds, and is going to help build a stronger relationship between these two countries.”
Oladimeji explained that her educational philosophy blends global competence with strong local identity.
“I build and help our kids in Nigeria learn global skills without losing their local identity,” Oladimeji said.
She said this vision informed her latest children’s book, developed under Omeda, an initiative she founded to create educational programmes and redistribute free learning tools to underserved communities.
Oladimeji, who also works with the Hakeem Shitta Photo and Cultural Archive (HSPACA), curating cultural archives for storytelling-based history lessons, emphasised the need for deeper cultural education.
According to her, the book was inspired by the gaps she observed in Nigeria’s educational system.
“I was inspired to write the book because I saw a gap in our educational system. We need to start thinking global; the opportunities are out there.
“We need to start equipping ourselves with the right skills to take advantage of these opportunities,” she said.
Speaking about the book, Oladimeji said the book connects Nigerian young minds to China through storytelling.
Oladimeji noted that beyond storytelling, the book serves as a bilingual learning tool, saying that through the book, Nigerian kids could learn the Chinese language in the simplest and most fun way possible.
Explaining the plot, Oladimeji said the book is an adventure story about two Nigerian children, Sade and Wale, who travelled to China with their favourite food, Amala, to take part in a cooking competition in Beijing.
“When they arrived, they met children from different countries and quickly became friends.
” On the day of the competition, they discovered that the food everyone brought from home had gone bad.
“Instead of giving up, the children worked together to cook fresh food. Through teamwork and cooperation, all the children won the cooking competition as a team,” she said.
She added that Sade and Walee received a Cultural Ambassadorship Award for proudly sharing their culture and showing the beauty of where they come from.
“This book helps children learn basic Chinese and explore different cultures in fun, simple ways. It also comes with a workbook and QR-code listening,” she said.
She added that the package also includes a workbook and audio lessons to aid learning.
Explaining the title, she said she chose it to teach cultural pride while exploring new environments.
“The reason I chose the title ‘Take Amala to China’ is that I want to tell our children that even as they step into a new world, they don’t have to leave their identity behind.
“They can take their culture, their heritage, to another place. They can learn it with other languages,” she added.
Oladimeji said many foreign language materials rarely reflect African identities.
“All the study materials are always westernised, or the characters are never Africans. They are probably Americans.
“So, I wanted Nigerian kids to read a foreign language textbook where they can see themselves inside the book,” she added.
The author said she wrote the book in the Chinese language because of its growing global relevance and Nigeria’s relationship with China.
She added she wrote the book in a foreign language to make Nigerians “see beyond.”
: “Chinese is a major global skill in today’s world. China is Nigeria’s largest trading partner, and there are great opportunities in tech, business, and diplomacy.
“Language learning improves cognitive development. Like any other language, Chinese builds your cognitive skills. It sharpens your mind and opens you to see beyond.”
The educator said the book integrates technology to enhance access through a QR code where kids can scan and listen to the audio.
She disclosed plans to introduce digital formats, including audio flashcards and offline tools.
“We are planning ways that even without the internet or lights, kids can use technological items to learn.
“As an educationist, I have seen how the Chinese use their culture and integrate technology into their educational tools.
“So, I was inspired by this, and I love Nigerian culture. We need to show ourselves wherever we are and learn new things without losing our identity,” she added.
She noted that the book targets not only children but also parents, teachers, and educators.
On the expected impact, she expressed optimism that the book would help create more cultural awareness among children while also calling for more culturally relevant educational materials.
“After reading this book, kids will realise the importance of exposing themselves to other cultures, because there is beauty in every culture.
“Every Nigerian is going to feel proud of themselves and their culture.
“We need more educational tools that are aligned for Nigerians. We need to start seeing ourselves in textbooks, in our stories, and in every educational tool,” she said.
She advised education stakeholders and policymakers to prioritise investments in technology and cultural education for children.
Addressing concerns that Chinese is difficult, Oladimeji, who advocated simple teaching methods, recommended introducing Chinese into school curricula.
“If we use a very simple way to teach it to people, then they will be willing to learn it.
“Many Chinese people are currently in Nigeria; Nigerians also need Chinese people.
“For us to communicate and build this relationship, we need to understand each other’s language and culture,” she said.
Oladimeji said the book had been published, with printing underway and release expected by the end of February.
She added that distribution would involve sponsorships to reach schools and children nationwide.
According to her, the book and materials are accessible through the initiative’s website, omedaedu.org.
“It comes with a box. The box includes other Chinese study materials, and also toys and gifts for kids to encourage them,” she said.
(NAN)