As part of ongoing efforts to enhance international military cooperation and cross-cultural competence, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has graduated a new set of personnel from its Intermediate Chinese Language Course, conducted in partnership with the China Cultural Centre.
The course, which aligns with the Chief of the Air Staff’s command philosophy of Deliberate Training and Mission-Oriented Force Development, was held at the National Defence College, Abuja, and marks a significant step in deepening bilateral defense relations between Nigeria and China.
Representing the Chief of Air Intelligence at the graduation ceremony, Air Commodore E.C. Ukpong, Director of Counter Intelligence and Security, emphasized the strategic importance of language and cultural intelligence in military operations.
> “This initiative is not just about language acquisition; it is a deliberate and mission-oriented strategy to reinforce the Nigerian Air Force’s global engagement and operational readiness,” he said.
In his remarks, Mr Liu Zhanping, Deputy Director of the China Cultural Centre, praised the Nigerian Air Force for its forward-thinking approach to defense diplomacy.
> “Language is not just a tool—it is a gateway to mutual understanding, trust, and cooperation,” he stated, commending NAF’s commitment to cultural integration.
Special recognition was given to Ms Zhang Yaping, the lead Chinese instructor, for her outstanding role in facilitating both linguistic proficiency and cultural immersion throughout the training.
The graduation ceremony underscored the growing strategic ties between Nigeria and China, particularly in areas of defense collaboration, capacity development, and people-to-people diplomacy. The initiative reflects NAF’s broader aim to project professionalism on the global stage and strengthen international alliances through targeted training and engagement.
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