Kaduna State University Hosts Northern Universities French Conference

Kaduna State University (KASU) recently hosted a two-day conference on French language education, bringing together academics, language experts, and stakeholders to discuss the cultural and digital era challenges in Northern Nigeria.

The conference, themed "Cultural Challenges in the Teaching and Learning of French Language in Northern Nigeria in a Digital Era," aimed to explore innovative solutions to enhance French language education in the region.

The keynote address was delivered by Prof. A.A. Ilah of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, who provided a historical overview of French language education in Nigeria and identified cultural challenges hindering French learning in Northern Nigeria. These challenges include inconsistent education policies, religious influences, and a stronger preference for Arabic in some communities. Prof. Ilah also outlined digital-era challenges, such as poor infrastructure, frequent power outages, and inadequate teacher training.

Despite these challenges, Prof. Ilah highlighted emerging opportunities, including career prospects in media and specialized professions. He advocated for the adoption of French for Specific Purposes (FSP), such as French for law, medicine, and economics, to enhance the relevance and appeal of French language education.

Prof. Ilah proposed the establishment of a Nigerian French Language Village in Northern Nigeria to promote wider accessibility and immersion in the language. The conference featured interactive plenary discussions, during which participants explored practical solutions and collaborative strategies to enhance the teaching and learning of French across the Northern region.

The conference brought together academics, language experts, and stakeholders from various institutions, including Kaduna State University, Ahmadu Bello University, and the Nigerian Defence Academy. Participants engaged in lively discussions, sharing their experiences and expertise in French language education .