The Minister of Education, Prof. Ruqayyatu Rufa'I, said on Thursday in Abuja that French would be part of the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) as from 2014 for interested candidates.
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Rufa'I said this at farewell reception held in honour of the French Language Project Manager, Mr Jean-Phillipe Roy.
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She said that being multi-lingual in the 21st Century was essential as it helps individuals to operate more effectively in the international community.
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"For Nigeria, the study of French language is quite key, considering the fact that our neighbouring countries are French-speaking.
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"Apart from the English Language, French Language is one of the major international languages, ''she said.
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She said Roy came to Nigeria in 2009 under the 2nd Bilateral Agreement between Nigeria and French.