France's Mobility Program Draws 2,000 Nigerian Students
Growth of French Educational Programmes in Nigeria
The French Embassy in Nigeria has shared that approximately 2,000 students are currently studying in France through its international mobility programme. This information was revealed by Pierre Andriamampianina, the Deputy Head of Cooperation at the French Embassy, during the France Alumni Day 2026 event held at the Résidence de France in Abuja on Thursday.
Andriamampianina highlighted the significant growth in demand for the programme over the past three years, noting a 235 per cent increase. He mentioned that around 500 student applications are processed annually, with about 2,000 students currently enrolled in French institutions.
He emphasized that the programme is not aimed at encouraging brain drain but rather at providing students with valuable international experience. “Mobility is not escaping, it’s just getting experience abroad and coming back to reinforce the skills here in Nigeria,” he explained.
Returning students have successfully transitioned into various roles, including starting businesses and taking up management positions. Andriamampianina described these outcomes as the programme's greatest success.
Focus on STEM Education
Marc Fonbaustier, the French Ambassador to Nigeria, discussed the increasing emphasis on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) in France’s international student mobility programmes. The theme of this year’s event, “Scientific Talents: Discover, Innovate and Entrepreneurship,” reflects this focus on promoting STEM education among international students.
According to Fonbaustier, STEM subjects are crucial for modern societies, as they drive technological advancements and meet the evolving needs of businesses. He stated, “The technological leap we are living through calls for the development of specific knowledge and skills that businesses need or will need in order to innovate and grow.”
The ambassador also highlighted the importance of linking study abroad experiences with employment opportunities. He noted that international experience often provides graduates with a competitive edge in the workplace. “Studying abroad and earning a degree only truly makes sense when connected to the world of work, where international experience can make all the difference,” he said.
Human Dimension of Education Exchange
Fonbaustier pointed out that requests for student mobility from Nigeria to France continue to rise each year. He described education exchange as both a professional and a human experience. “Behind every project to study in France, beyond the professional prospects it offers, there is a profoundly human dimension,” he added.
The France Alumni Day event was not only a celebration of past achievements but also an investment in the future. Fonbaustier commended the growing France Alumni community in Nigeria, stating, “Your participation is a testament to the growing strength and dynamism of the France alumni community in Nigeria.”
Personal Experiences and Legal Education
Oluwadamilola Wati, a participant in the event, shared her decision to study in France was driven by the need to gain expertise in both civil and common law traditions. “France was very intentional for me. I needed an educational system that would push me beyond common law thinking, and a dual practice in civil law and common law seemed like the right choice for the kind of international practice that I was building towards,” she explained.
Wati noted that her experience in France helped her build competence and confidence by exposing her to a new legal system and a multicultural professional environment.
Strengthening Ties with Africa
In recent years, France has intensified efforts to attract international students, particularly from Africa, as part of a broader strategy to strengthen educational and economic ties with the continent. Nigeria, as Africa’s most populous country, has become an increasingly important source of international students for French universities.