Mandarin entering Nigerian schools

Emmanuel Iyayi's love of China, its culture and language began early when he watched kung fu films as a child in his native Nigeria. Now 26, that enthusiasm has paid off.

"I am a translator, an interpreter for Nigerian and Chinese businessmen and I also compere at Chinese events," Iyayi, who also goes by the Chinese name Kong Yi, said. "All these generate good money for me. I am happy with the pay I get and this has transformed my life."

Iyayi isn't alone in being able to reap the benefits of knowing a language that few Nigerians speak.