Nigerian scholars have called for deeper academic and research engagement with China, insisting that Africa cannot effectively influence global power dynamics without investing in scholarly exchange, Mandarin language proficiency, and long-term strategic policy planning.
This position was at the centre of discussions during a one-day seminar themed “Bridging Africa–China Dialogue Through Scholarly Exchange”, organised by the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR) and held recently in Jos, Plateau State.
The event also featured the presentation of the Contemporary World Nigeria magazine (2022–2025), bringing together academics, policymakers, development experts and civil society actors to examine Africa’s evolving relationship with China.
Delivering the keynote lecture, Professor Sharkdam Wapmuk of the Nigerian Defence Academy cautioned that Africa risks remaining a passive player in global politics if it fails to build its research capacity and academic diplomacy.
He noted that bilateral trade between Africa and China reached approximately US$295.6 billion in 2024, with Nigeria serving as a major beneficiary of infrastructure investments such as the Lagos–Ibadan Railway and the Lekki Deep Sea Port. However, he argued that scholarly engagement has not kept pace with economic and diplomatic relations.
According to him, many Nigerians still react negatively to the idea of learning Mandarin, yet global trends suggest it may soon become a significant language of commerce, diplomacy and technology. He said this sentiment must change if Nigeria intends to negotiate future partnerships from an informed and strategic position.
“People tend to dismiss Mandarin whenever the subject comes up, But China is a rising global power. If tomorrow negotiations begin in Chinese, how will we respond if we cannot understand or speak the language?” he said.
Wapmuk welcomed the government’s recent approval of Mandarin as a language in public schools but warned that implementation remains slow. He added that the country must prioritise training qualified teachers and ensure the policy does not remain merely symbolic.
In his remarks, the Director-General of IPCR, Dr. Joseph Ochogwu, who was represented by Dr. Sunday Daji, said the seminar forms part of ongoing engagements to deepen research and policy debates around Africa’s international relations architecture. He explained that earlier editions of the programme were held in Abuja and Lagos.
He stated that Africa–China relations are now among the most influential global partnerships shaping trade, security, technology, and development pathways in the 21st century. He added that academia and the media have a responsibility to drive honest, informed debate rather than emotional or polarised narratives.
“Academia provides neutral ground and intellectual honesty, The media must translate this knowledge to policymakers and the wider public so that decisions are evidence-based rather than perception-driven.” Daji emphasized.
He added that the initiative aligns with Nigeria’s foreign policy direction under the Renewed Hope Agenda and the Federal Government’s 4Ds doctrine: Democracy, Development, Demography, and Diaspora.
The Plateau State Commissioner for Information and Communication, Rt. Hon. Joyce Ramnap, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Mr. Nanman Jonah, also emphasised the importance of strategic collaboration. She noted that no international partnership can be effective without strong institutional frameworks, digital infrastructure and secure learning environments.
She added that Plateau State is improving ICT systems and public access to information to support learning, scholarship and media development.
Presenting the magazine, the Coordinator of the editorial team, Dr. Olalekan Babatunde, said the publication serves as a platform for African perspectives on international relations, global governance, development models, technology, and Africa–China engagement. He explained that the magazine is published in multiple languages and offers honoraria to contributors, providing Nigerian scholars an opportunity to amplify their research globally.
He encouraged African researchers to question external assumptions and produce knowledge grounded in local realities. He added that public perception of China is often influenced by stereotypes that do not reflect factual experience.
“When people complain about low-quality Chinese products, they forget that it is often Nigerians who ask manufacturers to reduce product quality so they can buy in bulk and sell cheaply,” he said. “These misconceptions must be corrected, and regulatory agencies like SON and NAFDAC must strengthen enforcement.”
A panel of scholars, including Dr. Manko Rose Rindap of Plateau State University, Dr. Wenshak Alheri Danfulani of the University of Jos, and gender expert Dr. Plangsat Dayil, stressed the need for Africa to shift from defensive posturing to strategic positioning in its engagement with China. They argued that meaningful collaboration requires strong research institutions, critical study of China’s development model and alignment with frameworks such as Agenda 2063.
From a gender perspective, the panel also highlighted the need to ensure equal access to scholarships, exchange programmes, STEM education and emerging sectors influenced by China–Africa cooperation.
