France Launches ‘Bilingual and Competitive’ Project to Boost Employability of Nigerian Youth

The Embassy of France in Nigeria has unveiled the FEF “Bilingual and Competitive” Project, a two-year initiative designed to enhance the employability, global mobility, and professional readiness of Nigerian graduates through advanced French language education.

Launched in Abuja on November 20, 2025, the project is funded by the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs through the French Embassy Fund (FEF). According to the Embassy, the programme was conceived after a nationwide survey involving universities, students, educators, and private-sector stakeholders, which confirmed the strategic relevance of French proficiency for the Nigerian labour market.

Officials noted that the initiative will combine high-level language training with career-focused academic programmes. A central component is the development of a Master’s programme in French for Specific Purposes, designed to integrate French language learning with key professional sectors such as business, diplomacy, healthcare, science, and technology. This, they said, will equip Nigerian graduates with skills that directly enhance their competitiveness in both local and global job markets.

The project will also see the establishment of French Resource and Employability Centres in selected universities across the country. These centres will offer access to digital learning tools, modern teaching materials, workshops, and structured teacher-training programmes aimed at improving both teaching quality and student proficiency.

Speaking on the significance of the initiative, an embassy representative stated: “Our goal is to empower Nigerian youth with bilingual skills that open doors. French is not just a language—it is an economic asset that expands career opportunities across borders.”

Advocacy for bilingualism will form a key pillar of the project, with efforts focused on promoting French as a catalyst for innovation, job creation, and stronger academic–industry partnerships.

The GAF (Groupe des Ambassadeurs Francophones), comprising 33 francophone embassies in Nigeria, expressed unified support for the programme through its president, the Ambassador of Tunisia. The group described the initiative as a major step toward deepening cooperation between Nigeria and the global Francophone community while supporting young Nigerians in unlocking new opportunities.

The first cohort of beneficiary institutions has also been announced. Twelve universities under the “Gold Level” category—including the University of Abuja, Rivers State University, Kaduna State University, the University of Ilorin, Lagos State University, and Obafemi Awolowo University—will receive full-scale support to develop French Resource Centres. Meanwhile, nine “Silver Level” universities such as the University of Ibadan, Ahmadu Bello University, University of Port Harcourt, and University of Calabar will receive targeted assistance to strengthen their French departments and student clubs.

According to the Embassy, the expected outcomes of the project include improved teaching methodologies, increased acquisition of internationally recognised French certifications, wider adoption of French in academic and professional contexts, and ultimately, a contribution to reducing youth unemployment and brain drain.

The launch reinforces France’s long-standing commitment to supporting education, innovation, and youth empowerment in Nigeria, aiming to nurture a bilingual generation equipped to compete and thrive in an increasingly interconnected world.