Lagos State Government to Launch French Essay and Quiz Competitions in Public Schools

The Lagos State Government has unveiled plans to introduce essay and quiz competitions in French for students in public schools. The initiative aims to promote the learning of French, a widely spoken international language, and is set to encourage students to deepen their interest in the language through engaging activities.

Jamiu Ali-Balogun, the Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, made the announcement on Wednesday during the distribution of digital learning equipment at the Multilingual International Resource Centre in Maryland, Lagos. The project, funded by France’s Solidarity Fund for Initiative Projects, is part of efforts to foster French as a tool for communication, job creation, and international trade.

Ali-Balogun explained that the competition will not only help students improve their language skills but also enhance their understanding of French as a practical asset in global business. “We must inspire our children to not only read and write in French but to engage with it deeply through competitions like quizzes and essays,” he said. The initiative is expected to launch by the first quarter of 2025, with plans already in place to roll it out across Lagos' public schools.

The French Consul General in Lagos, Laurent Favier, emphasized the importance of French in fostering better economic and diplomatic relations within Africa. He highlighted that proficiency in French could open doors to job opportunities across the world, especially in countries like France, Germany, and Italy, and with international organizations like the European Union.

As part of the initiative, digital equipment was distributed to 12 state-owned schools to enhance the learning experience for both teachers and students. These tools are specifically designed to support the teaching of French and improve the conditions for learning in schools across Lagos.

This effort comes as part of a broader strategy to enhance language skills in Nigerian schools, with a particular focus on French, given Nigeria's geographical proximity to French-speaking countries in West Africa.