The Ambassador of France to Nigeria, Mrs Emmanuelle Blatmann, has stressed the importance of promoting the French language to a younger demography.
According to her, it is not only useful for building their skills but helpful for those pursuing studies in France.
“Learning French is also an advantage for those who wish to study in France because students get to enjoy quality education from renowned universities at an affordable rate compared to schools in UK and US.”
She also stressed that the knowledge of French will strengthen bilateral ties between Nigeria and France.
“It is important to promote French language to a younger demography. The knowledge of French will strengthen bilateral ties and relations between Nigeria and France or other francophone African countries, she noted.”
She made these remarks speaking at a graduation ceremony for 545 students who sat for the DELF Prim and DELF Junior exams this year, organised by the French Institute of Nigeria in collaboration with the French Embassy, which held at the National Universities Commission.
The 545 successful candidates came from 17 partner schools of the French Institute and we’re honoured in front of their friends, families and teachers. Some students and schools also won individual prizes courtesy of the French Institute and Embassy.
The DELF (Diplôme d’Études en Langue Française- Diploma of French Language Studies) is a certification issued by the French Ministry of Education and recognized worldwide.
Also speaking, the Deputy Director, French Management Centre, Ministry of Education, Mrs Mariam Yakubu, concurred, stating that the French language is an advantage for Nigerians.
“I appreciate the French Embassy for putting together this event because it will serve as a good source of motivation for parents, teachers and students of the French language.
“Nigeria needs to be bilingual in French and English because we’re surrounded by francophone countries, it will help in strengthening bilateral relations. It is the official language of the ECOWAS.
“It is also advantageous for Nigerians who intend to study and work in the international community, she said.
This graduation ceremony event was also an opportunity for the French Embassy to present a programme of pilot schools that was deployed last June in 5 States (Enugu, Plateau, Oyo, FCT and Lagos), with the support of their Ministries of education.
According to Mr Judikael Regnaut, Head of Cooperation and Cultural Affairs for the French Embassy, this project was launched to create the best learning and teaching environment for the children learning French in public schools, and prepare them to be certified with a DELF diploma.
“This programme includes training of trainers in France, regular training to raise awareness of ICT tools and new teaching methods in the 5 States, purchase of textbooks and computer equipment and DELF preparation courses for teachers and pupils, he stated.”