The French Ambassador to Nigeria, Marc Fonbaustier, has emphasized the importance of strengthening educational ties between France and Nigeria through collaboration and partnerships. These efforts, he stated, would provide opportunities for shared growth, research development, and educational tourism.
Speaking at the commissioning of a plastic recycling and fabrication laboratory at Nile University of Nigeria in Abuja, Fonbaustier highlighted the growing significance of learning French, especially considering Nigeria’s proximity to French-speaking countries. He praised Nigeria’s shift towards the French educational system, which, though distinct from that of the United Kingdom, Canada, and the United States, offers high-quality education at a more affordable cost.
“The French educational system is not well known in Nigeria, but it offers excellent standards at lower costs,” Fonbaustier said. He also underscored that French universities provide great scholarship programs and grants, which could support breakthrough research. Additionally, he noted the importance of French language proficiency in fostering smoother communication in the region, especially given the French-speaking nations surrounding Nigeria.
Fonbaustier also mentioned that French President Emmanuel Macron had invited Nigerian President Bola Tinubu for a three-day visit aimed at strengthening bilateral ties.
In his remarks, Nile University Vice Chancellor, Professor Dilli Dogo, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration with France and its impact on the institution’s educational and research endeavors. Dogo stated that the partnership had significantly enriched the university, and its collaborations with other countries, such as Canada and the United States, had further boosted its research capabilities.
“The inauguration of the FABLAB highlights the positive outcomes that such international collaborations can bring to our country,” Dogo said. He emphasized the importance of expanding Nigeria’s linguistic diversity by incorporating French, given the country’s geographical location amidst French-speaking nations.
Sébastien Bede, the Science and Higher Education Attaché and Deputy Head of Cooperation and Cultural Affairs, also spoke at the event, pointing out the vast potential for synergy between French and Nigerian universities. He highlighted the many opportunities for research, grants, and staff mobility, emphasizing that language is no longer a barrier, as France offers over 1,700 programs taught in English.
Bede added that learning French would not only enrich Nigerian students’ experiences but also enhance their employability, particularly as French is projected to become the most spoken language in Africa by 2050. He concluded that developing French language skills would open up further opportunities for collaboration and growth in the region.
