By Victor Asije
The French Embassy in Nigeria on Wednesday enjoined Nigerians to avail themselves of the increasing English Language taught courses in different Universities in France.
The embassy gave the advice in a statement to announce the forthcoming 6th edition of the French Education Fair, scheduled to hold in Abuja on Feb.12 and Feb.14 in Lagos.
“The French Embassy remains committed to strengthening ties between France and Nigeria and education provides the perfect platform to do so.
“The French mission in Nigeria is also creating partnerships between Nigerian and French Institutions to encourage exchange in not just
knowledge but in students and faculty.
“Many French Universities, through the development of English language programs, can now break the language barrier and accept more
Nigerians to study a wide array of courses,’’ it said.
According to it, the fair will provide an opportunity for Nigerians to meet with the best French higher educational institutions, as well as improve relations between Nigerian and French universities.
The embassy said the fair, which would be attended by ten different French universities and higher institutions offering different English Language taught courses at the Bachelors, Masters and Ph.D levels.
The fair will hold on Monday, Feb. 12 at the National Universities Commission in Abuja, and on Wednesday, Feb.14 at the French School
(Lycée Français Louis Pasteur) in Lagos.
The Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to France, Dr Modupe Irele, recently disclosed that of the estimated 30,000 Nigerians currently living in France, some were students.
Irele had said that the French government was working closely with her embassy in encouraging more English-speaking Africans to study in France.
“We at the embassy foresee a further deepening of this relationship, given the new French government’s positive disposition towards Africa in general, especially Nigeria.
“The French authorities are also working with the embassy to help it explore opportunities offered to Nigerians to study in French tertiary institutions in the English Language,’’ she added. (NAN)