The federal government has directed that students at all levels of the country’s education system, from primary to tertiary, must henceforth offer courses in French language. This was disclosed recently by the Minister of State for Education, Prof Anthony Anwukah, when the French Ambassador to Nigeria Denys Gaver paid him a courtesy visit in Abuja.
Minister Anwukah said, “French language is a matter of necessity. We have Cameroon, Niger, Chad, Benin Republic, Togo, Guinea and Ivory Coast surrounding us and so there is need for us to get more Nigerians to become proficient in French language”. While harping on the need to have more French teachers, the minister said government will soon embark on intensive training of more French teachers. Federal government’s declaration on the compulsory study of French language in schools and tertiary institutions is a laudable development. It is good for the country particularly for citizens at border towns and villages. Their knowledge of French language will enhance meaningful socio-economic interaction between Nigerians and their French speaking neighbours. The study of French language will also make Nigerian students more competitive at the global level.
 

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