By Esther Onyegbula

The Nigerian French Language Village, Badagry, Lagos State, has commenced a three-day technical meeting with officials of the French Embassy in Nigeria aimed at strengthening French language teaching, enhancing teachers’ capacity and promoting employability opportunities for Nigerians.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, the Director/Chief Executive Officer of the Village, Prof. Samuel Oladiipo Kolawole, described the institution as the “core avenue” for discussions and activities relating to the teaching of French in Nigeria.
He said the engagement with the French Embassy underscores a long-standing partnership focused on promoting the study of French and improving linguistic competence among Nigerians.
“And all activities regarding teaching of French, this is the core area where these are discussed. We are in partnership and collaboration with the French Embassy in Nigeria. Being the official language of France, they want to promote the study of French in Nigeria,” he said.

Kolawole explained that the programme is designed as a “train-the-trainers” initiative, targeting French language teachers who would, in turn, train others across the country.
“One of the objectives of this programme is to improve the linguistic competence of Nigerians, particularly in French. It will improve the capacity of our trainers and enhance pedagogical approaches in the teaching of French.

“You will notice the presence of experts from France. They are here to familiarise themselves with us and ensure that new approaches in the teaching of French are exposed to our teachers,” he added.
He disclosed that the meeting would also review reports and deepen cooperation between the French Village, and the French Embassy

According to him, the French government had previously provided teaching tools and sponsored both students and staff for training in France.
“Two years ago, about 10 of our students went to the University of Caen in France. They were fully trained and sponsored by the French government. Also, nearly 30 students travelled to Francophone countries for exposure in language, culture and civilisation. We are expecting similar opportunities this year,” he said.

Kolawole added that the partnership covers technical support, capacity building and scholarships, with expectations that more staff would benefit from overseas training in new trends of French language instruction.

Also speaking, the Cultural and Cooperation Attaché of the French Embassy in Nigeria, Mrs. Magali Losange, said the visit was part of a new initiative launched by the embassy in November 2024 to respond to growing demand from institutions, teachers and students seeking better understanding of career opportunities linked to French studies.
She said the project, titled “Bilingual and Competitive Project,” is designed to position French as a strategic skill for mobility and career development, thereby supporting the employability and professional integration of Nigerians.
“For two years, the French Embassy will work with 22 universities. Beyond these institutions, it was important for us to collaborate with the Nigerian French Language Village, as it is the key pillar of French teaching and learning in Nigeria,” she said.

Losange noted that the project would focus on capacity building for teachers, development of new physical and digital resources, and the possible creation of a master’s programme to train future French teachers in Nigeria.
She said two experts from the Université de Caen were invited for the engagement, having previously hosted some teachers from the Village for training in 2024.

“It is important for them to come here, assess developments on the ground and explore how we can move forward with the creation of a master’s programme,” she said.
She stressed the need for government support to ensure sustainability and formal recognition of the initiatives.
Losange further revealed that the project had been presented to the training centre of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), noting the importance of equipping students not only with language proficiency but also with transversal skills relevant to institutions such as ECOWAS.
She identified key challenges facing French studies in Nigeria to include quality of teaching, inadequate equipment and resources, and weak linkages with the professional sector.
According to her, the partnership would provide new books, digital tools, training in France and Francophone neighbouring countries, and expanded opportunities for students and teachers.

The three-day meeting is expected to produce a roadmap for deepened collaboration, improved teaching standards and expanded career pathways for Nigerians studying French.