We need to decolonise language learning—French educator, Oyedele

Medinat Oyedele, a French educator and bilingual podcast host, has said that Nigeria as a country, needs to decolonise the learning of different languages. Oyedele said this during a recent interview where she spoke about her mission as an acclaimed French language educator that is redefining how French is taught across Africa. 

She also spoke on her journey, challenges in teaching French in Nigeria, and her call to decolonise language learning, having become a household name among language educators. 

On what inspired her journey into French language teaching, Oyedele said, “Thank you, that’s very kind. My love for languages began at a young age. I was fascinated by the way different words could shape the way people think and interact. But more than that, I wanted to challenge a stereotype I had grown up with—the idea that only people from France or Canada, or those who had studied abroad, were qualified to teach French with authority. 

“I wanted to prove that a Nigerian, trained locally and deeply rooted in our culture, could teach French with both fluency and authenticity. I also wanted to help my students see themselves in the language, to show them that their voices—accented or not—have value. Our identities matter in language learning. Our experiences, our context, our cultural references—they should all be part of how we teach and learn French.”

Her podcast has been making waves globally. When asked what motivated her to start it, Oyedele said: “The idea came from a deep sense of absence. I had searched for French learning resources that reflected African contexts, and there were so few. Most of what was available online focused on European references—French cafés, snow, subway stations, things my students couldn’t relate to. 

“I wanted to build something different. I envisioned a space where African learners could hear their realities echoed in the examples, where teachers could share their classroom stories, and where cultural identity was part of the lesson plan. The podcast started as an experiment, but it grew quickly. 

“Today, it reaches educators and students across Africa, Europe, and even in parts of North America. What’s most rewarding is hearing from young learners in places like Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire, or even Nigeria, saying, “Madam, I listened to your podcast and it helped me pass my French test” or “I never thought learning French could be this fun.” That, for me, is everything.”

Speaking about the biggest challenge in teaching French in Nigeria today, Oyedele said: “There are several challenges, unfortunately. One of the most critical is access—access to qualified teachers, to up-to-date materials, and to opportunities for real language immersion. In many schools, especially public ones, French is still taught using outdated methods and textbooks that don’t reflect modern usage. 

“The other challenge is psychological. Many Nigerian students feel French is alien, distant, or unnecessarily difficult. That perception often stems from how it’s taught. If learners can’t see themselves in the language—if they don’t see how it connects to their lives—they’re less likely to engage. That’s where storytelling, relatable content, and cultural pride come in. 

“When I teach vocabulary, I use Nigerian scenarios. When I teach grammar, I tie it to everyday conversation. I tell them stories in French about African characters. Suddenly, the language comes alive, and it becomes theirs—not something imposed from the outside.”

Having been recognised multiple times for her work, she was asked what those recognitions mean to her. Oyedele responded, saying, “They mean a lot. Recognition is not the goal, but it’s a reminder that the work is being seen, and more importantly, that it’s having an impact. Winning teaching excellence awards in Nigeria affirmed to me that innovation in language teaching is possible and appreciated.”

She said being featured on international platforms gave her the confidence to speak boldly about the need for African-centered language education.

Oyedele explained that every recognition, big or small, is an encouragement—not just to her, but to other educators across the continent who are doing incredible work, often with limited resources, adding that it says to them: “You matter. Your work matters. Keep going.”

Revealing her long-term vision, Oyedele said: “My vision is to build a full-fledged language institute—not just a school, but a center where French is taught in a way that blends digital education, African storytelling, teacher training, and multilingual empowerment. I want to create a space where French doesn’t feel foreign anymore, where it feels natural, exciting, and connected to our everyday lives. I also want to train more teachers—not just in how to teach grammar, but in how to teach with empathy, creativity, and relevance.”

Long-term, she says she wants to influence policy, to work with ministries and curriculum developers so that the way French is taught in Nigerian schools reflects who we are as Africans. 

Oyedele said Nigerians need to decolonize the way we approach language education, adding that French is not just the language of Paris, it’s also the language of Dakar, Cotonou, Yaoundé. “That’s the story I want us to tell,” she said.

When asked what advice she would give to young teachers in the field, Oyedele said, “My biggest advice is: believe in your voice. It may not sound like the “ideal” accent, and your path may not look traditional, but your experiences and your creativity are your greatest tools. 

“Don’t be afraid to try new things—bring music into your lessons, use drama, connect your teaching to your students’ lives. Also, never stop learning. The field of education is evolving, and we must evolve with it. But above all, teach with purpose. 

“Whether you’re in a big city or a rural school, you’re shaping minds and opening doors. Don’t take that lightly. Your work could be the reason someone finds their voice in another language—or finds confidence in their own.”

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