The Cross River State Commissioner for Education, Prof. Offiong Offiong, on Thursday, said the government planned to introduce the teaching of Chinese language in all the public schools in the state.
Offiong made this known in Calabar while briefing the press on the activities of the ministry in 2012. He said this was in keeping with current global trend.
"In order to key into global trend, the state has initiated discussion with the Chinese Embassy towards the teaching of Chinese language in our schools," he said.
He also said over 9,000 laptops would be distributed to teachers in public schools.
He said the facilities at the former French Language Centre in Calabar would be upgraded to accommodate the new initiative.
Offiong said, "As a preliminary step, we have re-christened the centre. We have also initiated discussion with Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, which is currently collaborating with the Chinese University on the teaching of the language in the institution."
He said Cross River was open to foreign investment, adding that the Chinese language was strategic for this purpose "and for the future of our children".
Speaking on the distribution of 9, 000 laptops to public school teachers, Offiong said it was the state government's desire to ensure that teachers were provided and trained on the use of the device in order to enhance their learning and teaching skills.
