Michael Olugbode in Abuja
The Nigerian French Language Village (NFLV) has emerged winner of the maiden Word-Wise Bilingual Series – University Edition, defeating five other tertiary institutions in a competition aimed at promoting bilingualism, leadership development and stronger African integration.
The four-day competition, organised by the Word-Wise Educational Support and Advancement Foundation in partnership with the Embassy of France in Nigeria through the French Embassy Fund Bilingual And Competitive Project (FEF-BAC), brought together student debaters from six universities and higher institutions across Nigeria’s Southwest region.
Representatives from the University of Ibadan, University of Lagos, Lagos State University, Obafemi Awolowo University, Olabisi Onabanjo University and the Nigerian French Language Village competed in both English and French, engaging in debates on contemporary national and continental issues.
Beyond conventional debating, the competition featured an Africa Solution Room, where finalists were tasked with developing practical solutions to some of the continent’s most pressing challenges, including youth unemployment, education, governance and regional integration.
The organisers said the initiative was conceived to show that language acquisition should extend beyond classroom learning by equipping young people with the confidence, communication abilities and leadership skills required to address real-world challenges.
Speaking on the outcome of the competition, the Cooperation Attaché and Coordinator of the FEF-BAC Project at the Embassy of France in Nigeria, Madam Magaly Losange, praised the participants for the confidence and depth of engagement displayed throughout the event.
“What impressed me most was not simply the quality of the debates, but the confidence and intentionality the students demonstrated, particularly during the Crossfire rounds,” she said.
Losange noted that the students were able to apply the French language skills acquired in the classroom to spontaneous discussions, critical thinking and collaborative problem-solving.
She explained that such practical use of language reflected the broader objective of the FEF initiative, which seeks to position bilingualism not merely as a communication skill but as a tool for building confidence, expanding opportunities and strengthening connections among young people.
She congratulated all participants, saying their performance demonstrated the importance of preparing young Africans for an increasingly interconnected global environment.
The Co-Chief Executive Officer of the Word-Wise Educational Support and Advancement Foundation, Senami Ohiomokhare, said the competition had highlighted the power of bilingualism in developing a new generation of African leaders capable of bridging cultural and linguistic gaps.
“At Word-Wise, we believe that every young person has a story worth telling and a voice worth hearing,” Ohiomokhare said.
She added that the four-day programme enabled students to build confidence, exchange ideas respectfully and communicate across linguistic boundaries, stressing that leadership begins with “listening, understanding and connecting with others.”
Also speaking, the foundation’s Co-Chief Executive Officer, Mr Victor Ibrahim, described effective communication as the foundation of leadership.
“Leadership is impossible without communication,” Ibrahim said, adding that participants had gone beyond memorised speeches to demonstrate authentic conversations, thoughtful debate and meaningful collaboration.
He said the competition proved that language could serve as a unifying force rather than a barrier, while empowering young people to play a greater role in shaping Africa’s future.
The university edition attracted more than 200 students as a live audience, building on previous Word-Wise Bilingual Series programmes targeted at upper primary and junior secondary school pupils.
According to the foundation, the two editions of the initiative have now directly reached nearly 1,000 young people, providing them with communication, leadership and employability skills while promoting stronger ties between Anglophone and Francophone communities.
The organisers said the impact of the programme would continue beyond the competition through a digital storytelling campaign featuring participant profiles, mentorship opportunities, behind-the-scenes experiences, debate highlights and success stories across social media platforms.
They added that preparations were already underway for future editions, with plans to expand participation, strengthen partnerships and create more platforms for young Africans to collaborate across linguistic and national boundaries.