Ogun to prioritize teaching of French in schools for socio-economic prosperity

In a bid to foster economic, political and international relations with neighbouring countries, the Ogun state government has declared its intention to prioritise the teaching of French subject in schools.

Abayomi Arigbabu, Professor and the Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, said that the ability to speak French Language has an added advantage in the labour market.

Represented by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Primary and Secondary Education, Ronke Soyombo, at the 2020 French International Day, organised by the Ministry at Lisabi Grammar School, Idi-aba, Abeokuta, the Commissioner noted that the only way Nigerians and residents of Ogun state could enjoy cordial ties and relations with Francophone countries that bordered Nigeria, is to learn and speak French.

Arigbabu, while describing teachers as the source of inspiration and motivation for the future generation, urged them to be creative, productive and make the learning process interesting, especially now that they are enjoying more renumerations from the State government.

“Teachers are source of inspiration and motivation for this generation to understand the opportunities embedded in bi-lingual. French language has the viability to foster economic and political relationship and we must prioritise it.

Earlier, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Abosede Ogunleye, who was represented by the Director, Education Support Service, Mayowa Odufuwa, submitted that capacity building and self-help in the language is key, hence the need to embark on professional and international courses, imploring them to explore the opportunity of the programme to resolve every hitch they encounter in the classroom.

Also, President, National Association of French Teachers, Ogun State Chapter, Taiwo Ayinde stated that learning French would earn the learner opportunity for easy movement and communication for business purposes, enjoining government to employ more French teachers into schools across the State.