The Role of Chinese Language Clubs in Promoting Mandarin Learning at Federal University, Lokoja

Student-driven Chinese language clubs have emerged as important informal learning communities in Nigerian universities where formal Mandarin programmes are limited or nascent. At the Federal University Lokoja in Kogi State, North Central Nigeria, a student-founded Chinese Language and Culture Club has attracted membership from across faculties. This study investigates the role of this club in promoting Mandarin learning and Chinese cultural awareness at the university. A qualitative case study design was adopted, with semi-structured interviews conducted with the club's 12 executive members, participant observation at six club meetings and two cultural events, and questionnaires administered to 80 club members and 40 non-member students. Findings indicate that the club provides a low-pressure supplementary learning environment that complements formal instruction for members enrolled in the university's elective Mandarin courses. Members report higher self-confidence in spoken Mandarin compared to non-member classmates. Cultural programming including film screenings, calligraphy workshops, and cooking demonstrations increases general interest in Chinese culture across the university community. Funding and access to qualified facilitators are identified as the primary club development challenges. The study concludes that Chinese language clubs represent a cost-effective and culturally vibrant mechanism for promoting Mandarin learning in universities with limited formal Chinese Studies infrastructure, and recommends the establishment of a national network of Nigerian university Chinese language clubs supported by Confucius Institute resources.

Keywords: Chinese language clubs, Federal University Lokoja, Mandarin learning, student-led initiatives, North Central Nigeria