Editor
By Fatima Saka
The French Government, through its embassy in Nigeria, has enhanced the teaching skills of educators by equipping them with modern teaching methods.
The initiative aims to improve the employability of Nigerians proficient in the French language.
As part of the program, 150 French teachers from Enugu, Oyo, Lagos, Plateau States, and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) received advanced training. The project has a total budget of €600,000, some of which is allocated to establishing a university center in Badagry, Lagos, and supporting journalist training programs.
This development was announced by Feyitimi Babajide, Project Coordinator of Atua Lumi Ko Nainja, during a World Teachers’ Day event at the French Embassy in Abuja.
“The project has three main components,” Babajide explained. “The first is enhancing the skills of secondary school French teachers. The second involves establishing a university center in Badagry Village, Lagos, while the third focuses on training journalists to improve their reportage.”
Babajide noted that the teachers were trained in advanced techniques, with a particular emphasis on building their speaking skills. Classes and international examinations were facilitated with support from the French Embassy, and participants received certification upon completion of the program.
The initiative also included specialized training for francophone journalists to improve event reporting, particularly on radio.
In enhancing employability through language skills, Professor Mufutau Tijani, a specialist in French and Applied Linguistics at the University of Abuja, raised concerns about the limited career focus of many students studying French.
“Many students only learn French for academic purposes, overlooking the vast career opportunities it offers,” Tijani said. “Challenges such as limited practice opportunities, a lack of immersion environments, and low motivation hinder their language proficiency.”
He emphasized the importance of initiatives like the French-Up Your Career program, a collaboration with the French Embassy,
