French embassy launches FEF “Bilingual and Competitive” Project to empower Nigerian youth

The Embassy of France in Nigeria has officially launched the FEF “Bilingual and Competitive” Project, a two-year initiative aimed at strengthening the employability and global mobility of Nigerian graduates through French language proficiency.

According to the Embassy, the project, funded by the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs through the French Embassy Fund (FEF), was developed following a nationwide assessment and consultations with universities, students, educators, and businesses. The findings highlighted the strategic importance of French as a tool for professional development and international engagement.

The Embassy stated that the initiative would combine advanced language training with career-oriented programmes, including the creation of a Master’s programme in French for Specific Purposes. This programme is designed to link French learning to professional fields such as business, diplomacy, medicine, and technology, providing students with skills that directly enhance their career prospects.

Officials further explained that the project would establish French Resource and Employability Centres across participating universities. These centres are intended to provide modern teaching materials, digital resources, workshops, and teacher-training programmes to strengthen both language skills and employability.

The Embassy reported that advocacy efforts would also form a central part of the initiative, promoting bilingualism as a driver of innovation, job creation, and stronger partnerships between academia and industry.

The GAF (Groupe des Ambassadeurs Francophones), which brings together the 33 francophone embassies represented in Nigeria, reaffirmed its collective support for the FEF ‘Bilingual and Competitive’ initiative through the voice of its president, the Ambassador of Tunisia. For the GAF, this project is a powerful opportunity to support Nigerian youth and to strengthen the bridges between Nigeria and the wider Francophone world.

The first cohort of beneficiary universities has been announced. Twelve “Gold Level” universities, including the University of Abuja, Rivers State University, Kaduna State University, University of Ilorin, Lagos State University, and Obafemi Awolowo University, will receive comprehensive support to establish full French Resource Centres. Nine “Silver Level” universities, such as the University of Ibadan, University of Port Harcourt, Ahmadu Bello University, and University of Calabar, will receive support to strengthen their French departments and clubs.

The Embassy highlighted that the expected impact of the project includes enhanced teaching practices in French, improved employability for graduates with internationally recognized French certifications, wider use of French in professional and academic environments, and contributions to reducing youth unemployment and brain drain.

Representatives emphasized that the launch reflects France’s ongoing commitment to youth empowerment, educational innovation, and gender equality in Nigeria, and aims to cultivate a bilingual, professionally agile generation ready to engage with global opportunities.