The Vice-Chancellor, University of Ibadan, Professor Kayode O. Adebowale, has advocated the adoption of sensitisation programmes in French beyond the language to include culture.
The Vice-Chancellor also noted the great benefits bilingualism has in securing job opportunities, research development and effective collaborations.
This, according to him, explains why
the university management is passionate about the French language.
The Vice-Chancellor made these remarks while receiving a team of collaborators from the French Embassy in the company of the French Unit, Department of European Studies, UI.
He described French as a second language in Nigeria because the academic curriculum in secondary and tertiary institutions encourages students to learn and speak French.
Professor Adebowale stated that there has been a strategic relationship between the University of Ibadan and France through IFRA in the area of student and staff exchange, cultural exchange, and student mobility.
He stated that the French Village in Badagry is presently headed by a staff of the University from the French Unit of the Department of European Studies.
He encouraged the Department of European Studies to commence proficiency courses in the French language for the purpose of effective communication and cultural exchange between France and Nigeria.
He assured that the University would strengthen continuous strategic partnerships and sustainability of existing relationships with the French Embassy.
The team leader, Ms. Losange Magaly, the French Embassy Attache for French language who was accompanied by Dr. Chloe Pellegrini, thanked the university management for the show of interest in the French language.
She confirmed that a concrete collaboration process had been established, which would still be ongoing in the future.
Ms. Magaly explained that the visit was to consider different activities that could increase the connection and relations between Nigeria and France.
She noted that the common goal of the two countries is to create more opportunities for the youth through a link between French and employability and improved education in secondary and tertiary institutions through scholarships and job opportunities.
She spoke on the wishes of France to see Nigerians who studied other courses apart from French in tertiary institutions embracing the French language in order to be in a position of applying for job opportunities in France.
She said that the French Embassy is preparing a job fair in November to put together employers, candidates, and universities to discuss how to improve the study of French and enhance the way students are being trained.
She said France is also committed to training professors and students on more events and opportunities available to scholars who speak and live French.
The University of Ibadan and the French Embassy collaboration programme is expected to be beneficial to both Nigeria and France.
