French Language Politics and Education in Nigeria: Building Human Capital and a Multilingual Nation

(Hardback)

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This book highlights the current trends and challenges of French learning in Nigerias formal education system.
Edited by Michael Akinpelu and Tunde Ajiboye, French Language Politics and Education in Nigeria: Building Human Capital and a Multilingual Nation discusses the teaching/learning of French in Nigeria and its roles in building human capital and fostering meaningful relationships with Francophone nations in the sub-region. Presenting varying approaches, contributors postulate a renewal of pedagogical approaches to the teaching of French as a foreign language, while others call on government authorities to promote and implement language policies in favor of French that take into account the realistic needs of the country. Comprised of three parts, part I examines the relationship between language policies and the texture of French educational planning in Nigeria. Part II reflects on policy enunciations and interpretations that affect both the present and future, as well as the challenges that French teaching and learning in the Nigerian educational system. Part III explores policy decisions on French language education. Through detailed analysis and interview data, Akinpelu, Ajiboye, and the contributors argue for renewed approaches to French language studies in Nigeria from practical sociolinguistic pressures.

Reviews

French Language Politics and Education in Nigeria is an insightful series of essays assembled by Akinpelu and Ajiboye that provide historical perspectives to the political choices that inform the teaching of French in Nigeria. The contributors of this volume eloquently highlight the strategic role French plays in Nigeria's national unity as it competes with English, Arabic, and Nigerian main languages such as Hausa, Yoruba, and Igbo. They also convincingly argue that the promotion of French strengthens Nigerias geopolitical interests in West Africa and its neighboring countries. One remarkable contribution of this volume resides in its focus on new pedagogical tools, apps, the importance of ICT, and immersive programs to teach French throughout Nigeria and the numerous recommendations that the authors make to reinvigorate the political, economic, and cultural role French can play for future generations of Nigerians. * Alexandre E. Dauge-Roth, Professor of French and Francophone Studies, Bates College, USA *

Author Bio

Michael Akinpelu is Associate Professor Sociolinguistics at the University of Regina, Canada.

Tunde Ajiboye is Professor of French Language and Linguistics at the University of Ilorin, Nigeria