By Davies Iheamnachor

PORT HARCOURT: The French Government has promised to give more support to boost the Nigerian educational system with required language training and help its citizens have smooth ride into their career.

The Consul, General of France in Nigeria, Laurent Favier disclosed this at Alliance Francaise, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, during the Launch of a Programme, “French Up Your Career”, in the state.

Although the programme is in its third edition in some other states, it was newly introduced in the state in 2025.

Favier said the purpose of the event is to promote the French language, noting that the essence of studying the language should not be limited to becoming a French Language teacher, an interpreter or a translator.

He said the programmes provide more knowledge on other ways of practicing the language, explaining that proficiency in the language provides more boosts to an individual’s career.

Favier said: “It’s to provide insights on other ways of practising French fluently as a tool as an instrument in your CV for your next professional career.

“These sectors as I mentioned earlier are tech, infrastructure, innovation. Companies that look for profiles cable or working either in English or in French or both.

“Because in some sectors, you need both languages and since Nigeria is surrounded by French-speaking countries, you need to have French in your pocket and practice it.

“It’s not only French as a second language compulsory in Nigeria as the curriculum is, it’s how to practice French really in an operational way daily in a company that needs these skills.”

The Consul said the French Embassy in Nigeria has provided support to may primary schools over the years, adding that they would continue to provide support to the educational system in the country.

“We have been supporting the Primary schools in some states over the last year, Plateau, Enugu, FCT, Oyo, Ogun and Lagos. It was fifty schools, we provided materials, equipment, bit of training skills, computers to help primary and secondary schools to enhance their skills and competences and capacities in teaching French in a better condition.

“The next step forward for the French authorities is to continue to support Nigerian system of education in French and to continue it, that’s an example today in higher education system. That’s the first step. We try to access the different needs in a couple of universities and we will see after a couple of weeks the results of this assessment and design a new project in the same respect in higher education” Favier said.

However, the Director of Alliance Française, Port Harcourt, Marina Lacal, said the programme was launched in the state to help students know how French can help them in their career choices and development.

Local said: “This year we decided to organize this conference understand how French can help all Nigerians in their career, on their jobs. We have human resources personnels who will tell us how they are implementing French in their companies and how French is useful.

“To encourage the students and the learners of French language because sometimes when you are learning French in the university you may think maybe tomorrow you’ll be a French teacher, but it’s not only that. A language can open some doors.”

Meanwhile, French language Corporate Attaché, French Embassy, Magaly Losange said French is an important Language because of the opportunities, adding that the Embassy would be more supportive to those who wants to learn the language.

Losange said: “So we want to make sure that we can be more informative and supportive for people who want to learn French to connect the skills with not only academic opportunities but also professional opportunities.

“So, first we explain to them how to be intentional about learning French and make sure that at the end of three, four, five years of studies, they can indeed use French as a communicative skill.

“We also discussed the different opportunity offers for people who want to join international organizations or private companies looking for French speakers and finally we focused on certifications, because it’s one thing to learn the language, it’s another thing to be able to prove your level of French.”