By Favour Ulebor, Abuja

The French Embassy in Nigeria has said Nigerian students can now access a growing number of master’s and doctoral programmes taught entirely in English, as France steps up efforts to attract more students into science, technology, engineering and mathematics, STEM, fields.

Deputy Head of Cooperation at the French Embassy, Mr Pierre Andriamampianina, disclosed this on Thursday during the 2026 France Alumni Day held at the Résidence de France in Abuja.

According to him, many Nigerians still believe they must be fluent in French before studying in France, but several universities now offer programmes taught partly or completely in English.

“The French language is not a barrier because Nigerian students can find training and curriculum that are 100 per cent in English,” he said during an interview with journalists.

Andriamampianina explained that the mobility programme allows students pursuing master’s and PhD degrees to study in France, acquire international experience and return home with skills that can contribute to national development.

“Mobility is not escaping. It is just getting experience abroad and coming back to reinforce the skills here in Nigeria,” he said.

He disclosed that demand from Nigerian students seeking admission into French institutions has risen by 235 per cent over the past three years, with about 500 applications processed annually and roughly 2,000 Nigerians currently studying in France.

Speaking earlier, the French Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr Marc Fonbaustier, said France is prioritising STEM education in its international student mobility strategy.

He said the theme of this year’s France Alumni Day, “Scientific Talents: Discover, Innovate and Entrepreneurship”, reflects France’s commitment to preparing young people for emerging technological and industrial opportunities.

“STEM subjects sit at the very heart of our modern societies. The technological leap we are living through calls for the development of specific knowledge and skills that businesses need or will need in order to innovate and grow,” the ambassador said.

Fonbaustier noted that studying abroad becomes more valuable when linked to employment and entrepreneurship opportunities, adding that international exposure often gives graduates a competitive advantage in the workplace.

He also said requests from Nigerian students seeking educational opportunities in France continue to increase yearly, describing educational exchange as both a professional and human experience.

Also speaking, Oluwadamilola Wati said studying in France exposed her to both civil and common law traditions, helping her build expertise for international legal practice.

“France was very intentional for me. I needed an educational system that would push me beyond common law thinking, and a dual practice in civil law and common law seemed like the right choice,” she said.

Wati added that the experience strengthened her competence and confidence by exposing her to a different legal system and a multicultural professional environment.