France Builds Language Laboratory at Nigerian Defence Academy

Michael Olugbode in Abuja

France yesterday announced that it had financed the building of a French language laboratory at the Nigerian Defence (NDA) in Kaduna.

A statement from the French Embassy said the French Defence Attaché, Col. G Dujon, and his deputy in charge of the development of the French language learning programme in the Nigerian military, Lt-Col. R Chauvancy, were received in the state  by Maj-Gen. JO Ochai on January 25, 2024 during the inauguration of the laboratory.

“The Defence Attaché inaugurated the Academy’s new French language laboratory, financed by the French Directorate for Cooperation in Security and Defence (DCSD), during a ceremony presided over by the Commandant of the Academy. His principal staff officers, the French language teaching staff and delegation of cadets were attending,” it stated.

In his speech,  Ochai emphasised the strength and importance of the existing relationship between France and Nigeria, both in the fields of economy and security.

He went on to stress that for the members of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, to learn French language was a key leverage to further develop the interoperability with its French-speaking neighbours and to strengthen its integration within international or regional organisations where French is used as an official language.

In response, Dujon reaffirmed France’s great interest in the most powerful country in West Africa, that is Nigeria, and reaffirmed the availability of France to support the development of Nigerian strategic and operational capability.

He emphasised his commitment to support the development of a robust French language teaching structure within the NDA and beyond, enhancing the existing programme through the creation of new partnerships, for the benefit of all.