France to Enhance French Language Education in Nigeria by Training 150 Teachers Across Five States

The French Government, through its Nigerian embassy, has announced plans to train 150 French language teachers in Enugu, Oyo, Lagos, Plateau, and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to improve Nigerians’ employability through French proficiency.

A budget of €600,000 has been allocated for this initiative, part of which will fund the construction of a university center in Badagry Village, Lagos, as well as journalist training programs.

The project coordinator, Feyitimi Babajide of Atua Lumi Ko Nainja, revealed this during an event commemorating World Teachers’ Day at the French Embassy in Abuja.

“This project began in May 2023, with €600,000 provided by the French Embassy. It encompasses three key aspects: improving secondary school teachers’ skills, establishing the university center in Lagos, and training journalists,” Babajide stated.

He added that teachers are being trained in modern methodologies, with 150 educators from primary and secondary schools in the five pilot states having already benefited. Training has focused on enhancing speaking skills, enrolling participants in international exams, and certifying successful candidates.

The initiative also includes specialized workshops for francophone journalists to refine their radio reporting skills, with the program collaborating with international partners and engaging 10 schools per state.

Babajide emphasized the significance of these certifications in empowering teachers and journalists alike to excel in their professions.

Professor Mufutau Tijani, an expert in French and Applied Linguistics at the University of Abuja, expressed concern that many Nigerian students limit their French learning to academic purposes, missing out on the language’s broader opportunities. Highlighting the embassy’s French-Up Your Career program, Tijani noted its focus on increasing students’ employability through language skills.

To attract more students to French, the Director of the Center for Learning Resources at Covenant University, Ada Peter, proposed integrating French into interdisciplinary studies such as international relations or digital humanities.

Peter argued that combining French with other academic fields would make it more appealing and ensure students acquire employable skills, underscoring the need for a conducive learning environment to support this goal.

This initiative is expected to strengthen French language education in Nigeria and foster greater career opportunities for both teachers and students.