To strengthen the studies of the French language in Nigerian schools, the Embassy of France in Nigeria has donated some books and digital equipment to the Lagos State Government.
The educational items were handed over on Wednesday to the principals of 12 public secondary schools chosen to pilot the scheme in the state for appropriate action.
Similarly, the embassy will also extend the same gesture to the Federal Capital Territory and three other states- Oyo, Plateau and Enugu- in the coming months.
Speaking at the event held at the Multilingual International Resource Centre, Maryland, the Consul General of France in Lagos, Mr Laurent Favier, stressed the importance of the French language to the speakers, the communities and society at large.
According to him, French is an international language and a great asset to people who can communicate with it effectively.
He observed that the speaker of the language will have a better chance of doing business, securing employment, especially in French-speaking countries and with international organisations, and effectively engaging and interacting with other people most especially in an environment where the majority speak the language than non-speakers.
He stated that the French Government is particularly committed to strengthening the bilateral ties with Nigeria, hence the various supports given.
Favier pointed out that the projection of the embassy for the four selected states and Abuja is to reach out to no fewer than 50 schools and over 3,000 students as direct beneficiaries.
He urged the principals of the schools concerned and their French teachers not only to make good use of the items donated but also the learn of the language more seriously, promising continuous support.
Giving a keynote speech, the Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Lagos State, Mr Jamiu Alli- Balogun, also emphasised the importance of the French language as one of the strongest means of communication globally, commending the French Embassy for the donation and other support rendered to the state government.
He said the state government would step up action on the study of the language by encouraging more students to study it and also empowering their teachers for effective service delivery.
He, however, urged the principals and other educators to encourage more of their students to take an interest in the study of the language.
He said they could do this by introducing some methods such as quizzes and debate competitions in the French language formation of French Clubs and so forth.
He said the state government, on its part, would continue to make its schools conducive for learning and working.
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