Universities Offering French in Nigeria – In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into some of the top universities in Nigeria offering French programs for the 2025/2026 academic session.
From language skills to cultural studies, these universities offer everything you need to become fluent in French and prepare for a successful career.
Why Study French in Nigeria?
French is one of the most spoken languages in the world, with over 220 million people speaking it across various countries. For Nigerians, learning French is especially beneficial because of Nigeria’s close proximity to Francophone countries like Benin, Cameroon, and Chad.
Furthermore, French is a key language in international relations, business, and diplomacy, which makes it a valuable skill in the global job market.
Now, let’s take a closer look at some of the best universities in Nigeria where you can study French in the upcoming 2025/2026 academic year.
Universities Offering French Programs in Nigeria
- Imo State University (IMSU)
- University of Lagos (UNILAG)
- University Of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN)
- University of Benin (UNIBEN)
- University of Calabar (UNICAL)
- University of Ibadan (UI)
- University of Port-Harcourt (UNIPORT)
- Ambrose Alli University (AAU)
- Bayero University Kano (BUK)
- Delta State University, Abraka (DELSU)
- Lagos State University (LASU)
- Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK)
- Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU)
- Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU)
- University of Jos (UNIJOS)
- University of Ilorin (UNILORIN)
- University of Uyo (UNIUYO)
- Usman Dan Fodio University (UDUSOK)
- Niger Delta University (NDU)
- Nasarawa State University (NSUK)
- Ekiti State University (EKSU)
- Tai Solarin University of Education (TASUED)
- Umaru Musa Yar’adua University (UMYU)
- Fountain University (FOUNTAIN)
- The University Of Education, Ikere-Ekiti (TUNEDIK)
- Adeyemi College Of Education, Ondo(Affliated to OAU, Ile-Ife) (ACEONDO-DEG)
- Ignatius Ajuru University (IAUE)
- Gregory University, Uturu (GUU)
- University of Delta State Agbor (UNIDEL)
- Bamidele Olumilua University Of Education, Science and Technology. (BOUESTI)
- E-LEARNING UNILAG (UNILAG-ELUON)
- National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN)
- Alvan Ikoku Federal College Of Education (Affliated to University of Nigeria Nsukka) (ALVAN-DEG)
- Adeniran Ogunsanya College of Education (Affliate to Ekiti State University) (AOCOED-DEG)
- College of Education, Agbor (Affiliated to Delta State University, Abraka) (COEAGBOR-DEG)
- College Of Education, Ikere (Affiliated to University of Nigeria, Nsukka) (COEIKERE-DEG)
- Federal College Of Education (Special), Oyo- DEG (FCEOYO-DEG)
- Abeokuta (Affiliated to University of Ibadan) (FCEABEOKUTA-DEG)
- Federal College Of Education Obudu (Affiliated to University of Calabar) (FCEOBUDU-DEG)
- Federal College Of Education Okene (Affiliated to University of Ibadan) (FCEOKENE-DEG)
- Federal College of Education, Pankshin (Affiliated to University of Jos) (FCEPANKSHIN-DEG)
- Kwara State College Of Education (Technical), Lafiagi (Affiliated to Ahmadu Bello University) (KWACOETL-DEG)
- College Of Education, Oro (Affiliated to Ekiti State University) (COEORO-DEG)
- Michael Otedola College Of Primary Education, Moforiji (Affiliated to University of Ibadan) (MOCPED-DEG)
- Nwafor Orizu College Of Education, Nsugbe ( University of Nigeria Nsukka) (NOCOEN-DEG)
- College Of Education, Ilesa (Affiliated to University of Ibadan) (COEILESA-DEG)
Admission Requirements for French Programs
If you’re planning to study French in Nigeria, here are the typical admission requirements you should expect:
- O’Level Requirements: You will need at least five credit passes in relevant subjects, including English Language and French (or another language). Some universities may also require subjects like Mathematics or History.
- JAMB UTME Subjects: For French, you’ll need to take English Language, French, and two other subjects from the Arts or Social Sciences. This can include subjects like Government, Literature, or History.
- Post-UTME Screening: After meeting the JAMB cut-off mark, many universities require candidates to go through a post-UTME screening process, which may include an aptitude test or an oral interview to assess your language skills and general knowledge.
Career Opportunities for French Graduates
A degree in French opens up a wide range of career possibilities. Some potential career paths include:
- Teaching: You could become a French teacher in schools or even teach at the university level.
- Translation and Interpretation: Graduates can work as translators or interpreters for businesses, government agencies, and international organizations.
- International Relations: Proficiency in French is valuable in diplomacy and international organizations like the United Nations or African Union.
- International Business: Many multinational companies operate in French-speaking countries, and French is an essential skill in international trade and negotiations.
- Media and Journalism: With a good grasp of French, you can work with French-language media outlets or write for international publications.