Campus News

Make French learning enticing, Egbewole urges NAFT

The Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Prof. Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, SAN, has encouraged members of the National Association of French Teachers (NAFT) to adopt more engaging and simplified methods of teaching the French Language to inspire a natural interest in French among students.

Prof. Egbewole stated this penultimate Friday (November 8, 2024), while receiving a delegation of members of the Kwara State Branch of NAFT, who visited him in his office.

The Professor of Jurisprudence and International Law said that proficiency in French Language would expand one’s horizon at continental and global levels.

He, therefore, said that there is the need to sensitise the people more on the benefit of learning French Language

The Vice Chancellor recalled that French was compulsory for secondary school students in the past because most parents wanted their children to have a second language. “However, we may not fully appreciate the implications of not prioritising language learning, which could be why our efforts in this area have been insufficient”, he said.

While noting how the objectives of NAFT align with the vision of the University Administration, Prof. Egbewole disclosed that the University will continue to support the aspirations of the French Teachers.

He, however, suggested a partnership between the group and the University’s Department of French, and the Centre for International Education (CIE), given that a significant number of students of the University come from French-speaking countries.

The Vice Chancellor expressed confidence that building these partnerships would be mutually beneficial for all involved.

Speaking earlier, the President of the Kwara State Chapter of the National Association of French Teachers (NAFT), Mrs C. O. Ayano, explained that the visit was aimed at raising awareness about the need for renewed efforts to encourage Kwarans and strategic educational stakeholders in the State to recognise the importance of introducing French as a second language in primary and secondary schools due to its global significance.

Mrs Ayano expressed concern over the decline in both the teaching of French and students’ interest in learning it in Kwara State, saying, “What we had years ago is no longer the same. Only a few schools still offer French, and many teachers are moving into other fields. We do not want this language to disappear, especially considering its international value. We believe it is crucial to inform Kwarans of the benefits of learning and understanding this global language.”

The NAFT President appealed to the Vice Chancellor, as a key figure in the Kwara State education system, to support the mission of NAFT to foster a greater commitment to French language learning and teaching in schools.

Other members of the NAFT team on the visit were the Secretary, Monsieur Evariste Sam; the Vice President, Mrs Ngele Gladice C.; the PRO, Mrs Bukola Moses Esther and the Financial Secretary, Mrs Oloruntoba M. O.