Excellence in Language Immersion

The Nigeria French Language Village (NFLV), Ajara-Badagry, has rewarded outstanding students who excelled during the 2025/2026 Language Immersion Programme. More than 700 students from 45 Nigerian universities graduated from the seven-month French language training, which combined intensive academic study with cultural exposure.

Ahmad Ibrahim of Abia State University emerged as the overall best graduating student and the primary beneficiary of the ceremony's incentives. His exceptional academic performance earned him multiple financial rewards and a scholarship to support his continued studies.

Speaking at the graduation ceremony, the Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigeria French Language Village, Professor Samuel Kolawole, commended the students for their discipline and resilience. He noted that the participants, who underwent training from January to July 2026, were returning to their respective institutions with significantly improved linguistic competence.

We appreciate the Heads of Department of French for the quality of students sent to the Village. Your efforts have contributed significantly to the success of this year's immersion programme.

— Professor Samuel Kolawole, Director and Chief Executive Officer, Nigeria French Language Village

Rewards for Academic Distinction

The recognition of Ahmad Ibrahim involved contributions from both public officials and private philanthropists. Ibrahim received a cash donation of N200,000 from Hon. Sesi Whingan, the member representing Badagry Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives. Professor Kolawole further announced a scholarship covering half of Ibrahim’s first-semester tuition, while Mr. Zakari Adamu, a Fellow of the Village, donated an additional N100,000.

Professor M. O. Adesola, Chairman of the Award Organising Committee, explained that the selection process was rigorous. Awards were determined by the students' first-semester academic results and their overall conduct throughout the immersion period. Individual prizes were also presented to top performers across nine different courses offered by the institution.

Discipline remained a core focus of the training. Professor Kolawole mentioned that while the majority of students excelled, disciplinary measures were necessary for a few individuals to maintain the institution's professional standards and philosophy.

Community Impact and Regional Leadership

The ceremony also highlighted the relationship between the institution and its host community. The Executive Chairman of Badagry Local Government, Hon. Babatunde Hunpe, presented a cash prize of N250,000 to Miss Taiwo Mabel Monate of Olabisi Onabanjo University for emerging as the best student of Badagry extraction.

This gesture was intended to inspire local youths to pursue educational excellence. Representation for the local government emphasized that investing in education is a primary strategy for developing future leadership within the community.

Alhaji Labiru Kafur, Chairman of the Governing Council of the NFLV, urged the graduates to act as ambassadors for the institution. He also called for continued support from the traditional institutions in Badagry, noting that the partnership between the Village and its hosts is vital for the institution's long-term success.

National and International Success

A significant highlight of the event was the recognition of Miss Ọlọrundamilola Olorunsogo of the University of Ilorin and Miss Haderi Simple of Nasarawa State University, Keffi. The duo represented the NFLV at the Worldwide Bilingual Series Africa Award, organised by Alliance Française in Lagos.

The students secured the first prize in the competition, winning N1 million and a plaque for the institution. This achievement was celebrated by the management as a testament to the high quality of language training provided at the Badagry centre.

Established by the Federal Government in 1991, the Nigeria French Language Village remains the nation's premier centre for compulsory French language immersion. It serves as a critical bridge for university students to achieve the linguistic proficiency required for their degrees and future careers.