Decries the escalating insecurity in the Sub- Sahara Africa.
University French Teachers Association of Nigeria (UFTAN), on 14th October, 2019, commenced her 22nd Annual Conference /Annual General Meeting at Alex- Ekwueme Federal University, Ndufu-Alike, Ebonyi State, with focus on Regional Security in Sub-Sahara Africa and Role of French Language.


VC, Prof. Chinedum Nwajiuba, addressing officials of UFTAN.

President of UFTAN, Prof. Austin Moye, at the courtesy call on the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Chinedum Nwajiuba, at VC’s Conference Room, appreciated VC for receiving the association and approving the hosting of their 22nd Conference/AGM at AE-FUNAI. He applauded him and the University Management for the visible transformation going on in the university, which he said was happening as a result of the visionary leadership Prof. Nwajiuba is driving. He mentioned that the annual conference would focus on the positive role French language and its teachers can play, to ensure effectiveness in learning the language and applying it as tool for restoring peace in our sub-Region.


Prof. Austin Moye, President of UFTAN making his presentation at the Conference.

Prof. Moye, further said that they (UFTAN) would call on the Embassies of Francophone countries in Nigeria, to consider the propagation of French in Nigeria, as a worthy venture that merits their support by way of donation of academic textbooks and other materials, which could be sent to the library of the Nigerian French Language Village in Badagry. He added that UFTAN is delighted to note that French language is gaining grounds among staff and students of the University especially as AE-FUNAI is the only University in Nigeria that runs an efficient French Language Centre (FLC), where staff and students go, with enthusiasm, to learn French.

Dean, Faculty of Humanities, Prof. Romanus Ejiaga, introducing officers of UFTAN, said that he was excited as the 22nd Conference/ AGM was hosted by AE-FUNAI and informed VC, that a new program on French will be introduced soon.


Prof. Romanus Ejiagha, Dean, Faculty of Humanities, presenting welcome address.

Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Chinedum Nwajiuba, in his welcome remarks, thanked UFTAN for holding the Conference in AE-FUNAI, stating that the University will also be ready to host next UFTAN Conference, come 2020, if the association oblige. He affirmed that AE-FUNAI will start a compulsory French GST Course for students, to encourage the effectiveness of learning the language and that the University will continue to sponsor lecturers in the Department of French on Post-Graduate studies abroad.


Dr. Onyebuchi Chima, Ebonyi State commissioner for Education making presentation.

In his presentation on the theme: The Challenges of Promoting Regional Security in Sub-Saharan Africa: The French Language Perspective, the keynote speaker, Prof. Samuel Ade Ojo opined that individual universities and NUC must be concerned with the need to upgrade the curriculum to produce French graduates who will be saleable in the job market and suitable for positions in relevant governmental organisations, as well as multinational companies and organisations. Prof. Ojo further stressed the need for compulsory computer literacy for French students in the curriculum, adding that students who have bilingual status have advantage in job selection in their professional areas over their monolingual professional colleagues. He above all, emphasized the impacts French language teachers and the language itself can make in achieving unity, peace and stability within West Africa and beyond


VC, acknowledging Prof. Samuel Ade Ojo, Keynote Speaker.

Having concluded the event successfully, the President announced that their next annual convention would be in October, 2020, at the University of Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria. The Conference thereafter issued a Communique, presented by Dr. Marinus Yong, a senior lecturer and Head of French Unit, AE-FUNAI, as follows; Government should review its recruitment policies to include at least any two Proficiency French Language Certificates, for all security officers; UFTAN decries the continuous insecurity, leading to loss of life and property and opportunity for children attending schools, calling on the government to ensure the safety of all; The French Embassy should be fair in selection of teachers at all levels for training in France. Nigerian Teachers of French Language should be given topmost priority, above Francophone teachers of French; UFTAN calls on the National Universities Commission to ensure that French language is taught in all Nigerian Universities as general studies course as contained in the benchmark for minimum academic standard; UFTAN strongly urge all departments of French in all Nigerian Universities to continue to send their students to the Nigerian French Language village for the mandatory French language intensification programme.


Dr.Mrs Nnenna Nwosu, Director, French Centre, AEFUNAI, making presentation.

Ebonyi State Commissioner for Education, Hon. Dr Onyebuchi Chima, who was present at the courtesy call said that the State Ministry of Education is currently engaged in training exercise for teachers and seeks the assistance of the University. He further said he would like to synergise with AE-FUNAI French Centre, to introduce what he called ‘International Desk Office’ that will be in charge of German, French and Chinese languages, concluding that he seeks the full support and collaboration of the University management, especially the Vice Chancellor.

Other Officers of UFTAN present at the courtesy call include Prof. Doris Obieje, Vice President, Dr. Ngozi Iloh, Secretary, Prof. Victor Aire, Past President, Prof. Union Edebiri (OFN), Fellow, Prof. Kester Echenim, Fellow and Chairman Board of Trustees and Prof. Laditan, Ag. Director, French Village, Badagry.


VC (5th left) and University Officers in group photograph with UFTAN officials.

Dr. Mrs Nnenna Nwosu – Nworuh. Director, French Centre, AE- FUNAI, in her vote of thanks, appreciated VC AE-FUNAI, Prof. Chinedum Nwajiuba and the University Management for the opportunity, support and encouragement that made hosting of the conference a huge success. She thanked all participants who came from Universities across the country for their presence, wishing them journey mercies to their various destinations.


Cross section of participants at the conference

Highlight of the event was the award of Fellowship of the University French Teachers Association of Nigeria (FUFTAN), to Prof. Raufu Adebisi, Prof. CyriL Mokwenye, Prof. Vincent Okeke (Post mortem), and Prof. Tar Adejir.