Nigerian students, particularly those at the premier Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH), are poised for a significant uplift in global academic mobility and career prospects following a high-level educational partnership conference with French institutions.

The collaboration, driven by a deep-rooted historical relationship, promises to make world-class French higher education more accessible and affordable for Nigerian graduates.

The ‘Study in France Conference’, hosted by YABATECH and featuring a large delegation of French universities and specialised institutions, signals a robust expansion of academic and cultural ties.

In his welcoming address, the Rector of YABATECH, Dr Ibraheem Adedotun Abdul, positioned the conference as a significant step in strengthening the educational and cultural bridge with France.

He highlighted the institution’s long-standing relationship with the French government, which began over three decades ago with the donation of advanced equipment that birthed the college’s Department of Industrial Maintenance Engineering.

“Today’s conference aligns perfectly with our commitment to international collaboration and our vision to position YABATECH as a globally competitive, innovation-driven institution,” Dr Abdul stated.

He further outlined the college’s ‘ERECT Agenda’, a strategic framework focused on empowering staff, repackaging academic programmes, exploring collaborations, consolidating revenue, and tapping into grants.

“This strategy, implemented through key centres like the Centre for Linkages, Partnerships and International Relations (CLPIR), is designed to ensure graduates are not only employable but industry-ready.”

The Rector underscored specific areas where the synergy with France is expected to yield immediate benefits for students.

“A major focus is leveraging the strength of YABATECH’s School of Art, Design and Printing, renowned as one of the foremost art schools in West Africa.”

Dr Abdul expressed confidence that Higher National Diploma (HND) graduates in Fine Art, Graphic Design, and Industrial Design can seamlessly transition into Master’s degree programmes in France.

“The collaboration is set to establish dual certification programmes and capacity building in technical and vocational education, essential for Nigeria’s industrial growth.

“Joint research partnerships in critical areas like sustainability, renewable energy, and digital innovation are on the table, offering students and faculty exposure to cutting-edge international research.

“Student and staff exchange programmes and French language training will foster cross-cultural understanding and prepare students for a globalised marketplace.”

The French delegation, featuring representatives from prestigious institutions like Université de Lille, Kedge Business School, and multiple engineering and art schools, made a strong case for why Nigerian students should choose France.

Ms Oumou Diakité, Deputy Head, Africa Unit at Campus France, highlighted that France is actively seeking to increase its international student numbers, aiming for 500,000 by 2027. She noted that student mobility from Nigeria has seen a 76 per cent increase over the last five years, a trend the French government is keen to accelerate.

Diakité detailed the significant financial and academic advantages of the French system, mentioning affordable tuition, English-taught programmes, and generous government aid.

“The French government heavily subsidises public higher education, extending the same rights to international students as French nationals.

“A major barrier has been removed, with over 1,800 programmes now fully taught in English across Master’s, PhD, and even some Bachelor’s levels.

“Students receive substantial financial assistance, including housing aid, which can cover a significant portion of monthly rent, and free health insurance.”

Diakité reassured the gathering, affirming that international students have the same rights as French and European students.” (The Guardian)