UNIZIK Confucius Institute Clinches 4th Global First Prize At Chinese Bridge Competition

The Confucius Institute at Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka, has once again brought global honor to Nigeria after 17-year-old Mr. Onofeghara Ogheneruo Harry won the Global First Prize and earned the title of “Chinese Language Ambassador” at the 18th “Chinese Bridge” Chinese Proficiency Competition for Foreign Secondary School Students held in Tianjin, China, on August 25, 2025 (Beijing time).

Representing Nigeria on the world stage, Harry distinguished himself among numerous international contestants, despite studying Chinese for less than two years. He finished among the top 10 global finalists, narrowly missing the African championship by just 0.33 points out of 100. His triumph adds another star to UNIZIK’s record of excellence in international Chinese language competitions.

A Legacy Of Global Excellence

Since 2018, the Confucius Institute at UNIZIK has built an unmatched legacy of success at the global “Chinese Bridge” competitions — often referred to as the “Olympics of the Chinese Language.” The Institute has consistently produced top-ranking contestants, with all 11 Nigerian representatives reaching the global Top 30.

African Champions From UNIZIK Confucius Institute

1. Mr. Ekwensi Anthony Ebuka – African Champion, 17th Chinese Bridge (2018); now a Master’s degree holder from Nanjing Normal University, currently working in Australia.
2. Mr. Samuel Miracle – African Champion, 12th Chinese Bridge (2019).
3. Miss Jacob Omotola Angel – African Champion, 16th Chinese Bridge (2023); currently studying at Xiamen University.

Global First Prize Winners

1. Mr. Ojimmadu Raphael Ebube – 19th Chinese Bridge for Foreign College Students (2020); now studying at Shanghai International Studies University.
2. Miss Ogbonna Oluchi Emmanuella – 14th Chinese Bridge for Foreign Secondary School Students (2021); studying at Shanghai International Studies University.
3. Miss Ukachukwu Chizurum Nwanneka – 24th Chinese Bridge for Foreign College Students (2025).
4. Mr. Onofeghara Ogheneruo Harry – 18th Chinese Bridge for Foreign Secondary School Students (2025).

Global Third Prize Winners

1. Mr. Divine Azubuike Chidera – 13th Chinese Bridge (2020); studying at Shanghai International Studies University.
2. Miss Michael Praise Chinecherem – 20th Chinese Bridge (2021); studying at Xiamen University.
3. Mr. Okorie Nelson Somuadina – 15th Chinese Bridge (2022); studying at Xiamen University.
4. Miss Okechukwu Chioma Lovinah – 22nd Chinese Bridge (2023); studying at Tianjin Normal University.

The “Olympics” Of The Chinese Language

The Chinese Bridge Competition serves as a global platform showcasing linguistic and cultural excellence. It highlights students’ fluency, cultural knowledge, and creativity, while promoting international friendship and cultural exchange. The Confucius Institute’s consistent success underscores its strength in Chinese language education, talent cultivation, and China–Nigeria cultural diplomacy.

Ms. Qiu Nan: The Light Behind The Victories

Behind these triumphs stands Ms. Qiu Nan, coach of the Confucius Institute’s contestants and recipient of the “Outstanding Chinese Bridge Instructor Award” from the Center for Language Education and Cooperation, Ministry of Education, China.

Since becoming the competition coach in 2022, Ms. Qiu Nan has trained multiple champions through tireless dedication, personal mentorship, and rigorous preparation. Her record includes:

• 1 African Champion: Miss Jacob Omotola Angel (2023)
• 2 Global First Prizes: Miss Ukachukwu Chizurum Nwanneka (2025) and Mr. Onofeghara Ogheneruo Harry (2025)
• 2 Global Third Prizes: Mr. Okorie Nelson Somuadina (2022) and Miss Okechukwu Chioma Lovinah (2023)

These five distinctions represent nearly half of the Institute’s international awards. Known for her selflessness, cultural depth, and teaching excellence, Ms. Qiu has become both mentor and role model to her students — a true “dream enabler” who has guided Nigerian youths to shine on the world stage.

Building Bridges Through Education

Through its sustained success, the Confucius Institute at Nnamdi Azikiwe University has become a vital bridge connecting Nigerian youths to Chinese culture and global opportunities. Its achievements embody the values of perseverance, intercultural understanding, and educational excellence that continue to define China–Nigeria cooperation.

The UNIZIK Confucius Institute’s fourth Global First Prize marks not only another victory for the university but also a proud moment for Nigeria — affirming the nation’s growing presence in the global arena of language and cultural education.