In a move causing concern among educators, the University French Teachers’ Association of Nigeria (UFTAN) has strongly protested against the recent decision by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) to exclude internationally recognized French certificates, such as the Diplôme d’Études en Langue Française (DELF) and the Baccalauréat, from being accepted for university admissions. This exclusion also extends to other pre-degree qualifications.
During UFTAN’s 25th Annual General Meeting, themed “French Teaching in Nigeria in a Digital Age: Challenges and Prospects,” educators voiced their frustrations, arguing that JAMB’s decision undermines the global credibility of these qualifications, which are essential for promoting French language education across Nigeria. The association warned that the exclusion threatens to diminish the standing of French studies in the country.
A communiqué released at the event, signed by UFTAN President Prof. Mufutau Tijani and Secretary Prof. Richard Ajah, called for immediate intervention from the Nigeria French Language Village (NFLV) and the French Embassy in Nigeria. They urged these institutions to work with JAMB to reverse the policy and ensure that students holding DELF, Baccalauréat, and other pre-degree qualifications are not unfairly excluded from gaining admission to Nigerian universities.
“The abrupt de-recognition of DELF, Baccalaureate, and other pre-degree certificates by JAMB is deeply concerning,” UFTAN stated. The association emphasized the importance of international collaboration to restore the certificates’ status and support the growth of French education in Nigeria.
Despite their objections, UFTAN praised the NFLV’s high-quality French immersion programs and encouraged French departments at universities to continue sending students to the Language Immersion Programme (LIP) in Badagry. However, they stressed that the issue of certificate recognition must be resolved to maintain the integrity of French education nationwide.
As the debate continues, French educators across Nigeria are hopeful that with dialogue and intervention, JAMB will reconsider its stance on these internationally valued qualifications.