By Esther Onyegbula

The Consul General of France in Nigeria, Laurent Favier, has said requests for student mobility from Nigeria to France are increasing significantly, as the French government intensifies efforts to promote scientific and technological education among Nigerian youths.
Favier spoke at the fourth edition of the France Alumni Day held at Alliance Française Lagos Mike Adenuga Centre, where alumni, students, academics, employers and business leaders gathered to discuss opportunities in science, innovation and entrepreneurship.

Speaking on the theme, “Scientific Talents, Discovery, Innovation and Entrepreneurship,” the envoy said the event underscored France’s commitment to international student mobility, particularly in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics, STEM, fields.

According to him, technological advancement across the world has made scientific knowledge and innovation indispensable in modern societies.
“This theme reflects France’s clear intention to prioritise the mobility of international students, not only in Nigeria but globally,” he said.
“Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics permeate our daily lives at home, in universities and in the workplace. They sit at the very heart of our modern societies.

“The technological leap we are experiencing today calls for the development of specific knowledge and skills that businesses need, or will need in the future, to innovate, grow and create value.”
Favier said studying abroad becomes more meaningful when linked with career development and employment opportunities, stressing that international exposure could significantly shape the future of young Nigerians.

“This is why today’s Career and Employment Fair, alongside these exchanges, is so important. Studying abroad and earning a degree becomes truly worthwhile when connected to professional opportunities and the workplace. International experience can make all the difference,” he added.
He also described studying in France as a transformational experience capable of reshaping perspectives and strengthening global competitiveness.

“Studying abroad is a chance to step away in order to return stronger. It is an opportunity to meet new people and experience new cultures. Those who await your return will find you both the same and transformed.
“And that transformation is precisely what France Alumni Day is about, transforming yourselves and transforming the way others see you when you return,” he stated.

Also speaking, Deputy Head of Cultural Cooperation at the Embassy of France in Nigeria, Pierre Andriamampianina, said the French government was more interested in attracting highly motivated Nigerian students with clear developmental goals than merely increasing enrolment figures.
“Our goal is not really to increase the number. It’s much more oriented towards quality. We want really motivated students, students who have a project for after here in Nigeria,” he said.

Describing Nigeria as a strategic country of opportunity, Andriamampianina said French universities held Nigerian students in high esteem because of their academic performance and adaptability.

“Nigeria is seen as a country of opportunity. Considering the good relationship between our governments, it’s a place that France really looks at right now.
“The feedback we have from universities is that Nigerian students are always among the best students, in the top ten of each class. So there is really good quality here, and that is why we want to focus more on Nigeria,” he added.

During an interactive panel session, several alumni shared how studying in France positively transformed their careers, entrepreneurial outlook and professional discipline.

An alumnus of INSEAD Business School and co-founder/CEO of Robo Nish Technologies, Sultan Sunmola, said French culture taught him discipline, punctuality and integrity in business relationships.
“Your word has to be your word. Keeping to time is sacrosanct. These are values that help you stand out globally because people can trust you,” he said.

Sunmola also dismissed fears surrounding migration and language barriers, describing France as welcoming to international students.
“There are worries and fears about going to France, but they are not as significant as they seem. France is a place that is welcoming to immigrants. The government provides financial support to immigrant students, and people are willing to help you settle down,” he noted.

Similarly, an alumnus of Audencia Business School, Henry Eze, said studying in France broadened his thinking and equipped him with transferable skills that enabled him to transition from agribusiness into technology consulting.
“France helped me to see how value chains work and how processes work. Technology is majorly about processes and solutions, and I was able to transfer those skills into the tech industry,” he explained.

Another alumna, Ini Obong Antaih, highlighted the extensive support available to international students in France, including accommodation and transportation discounts, as well as cultural exposure.
“One of the benefits of going to France is that the country has amazing offers for students. There are discounts for accommodation, transportation and even museums. France really wants students to come,” she said.

Speaking on language barriers, Antaih encouraged prospective students to remain open-minded and learn French as an added professional advantage.

“French is one of the most powerful languages globally. Many companies today want people who can interact across African regions. Saying you speak English and French becomes an added advantage for your career and networking opportunities,” she added.
Also sharing her experience, Grace Tolu Ojo said her studies in France opened career opportunities in sports management and enabled her to volunteer at the Paris 2024 Olympics.

“I was able to volunteer at the Paris 2024 Olympics in events management, tickets and crowd management. It was an amazing experience and inspired me to think about organising sports events in my community,” she said.

The event featured networking sessions, career discussions and an interactive engagement between students, alumni and participating organisations, with participants exploring opportunities for academic collaboration, innovation and entrepreneurship between Nigeria and France.