ENHANCING NATIONAL SECURITY IN 21ST CENTURY IN NIGERIA THROUGH EFFECTIVE FRENCH LANGUAGE EDUCATION

Abstract

Language is no doubt, an essential ingredient in nationhood and education is recognized as a life-wire of every nation which involves training and instruction specifically from childhood to adulthood. One should note that any nation short of adequate education suffers much negativities ranging from insecurity, poor diplomatic relations, dwindling economy, among others. It is said that if you are not informed you are deformed. For any nation to move forward is highly dependent on language policies. Communication is very important in human existence and this communication can only be passed through a language which is the medium of communication. Owing to the fact that Nigeria is surrounded by French-speaking countries and French being an international language, the second most frequently spoken language globally is a pointer to valuing French in Nigeria. Today French is widely used for government, economics and diplomacy hence, speaking and understanding only English language in Nigeria is no longer adequate in addressing the communication problem of Nigerians in a world that has virtually turned into a global village. Inadequate communication in French language puts Nigerians in fear of insecurity before their foreign counterparts. On this note then, there is every need for the National Policy on Education to be reviewed to make the teaching and learning of French language in Nigerian schools compulsory at all levels of her educational system. When a good number of Nigerian citizens are able to speak and understand French language there will be no more communication barrier and insecurity will not be there any longer. The paper therefore examines how French language education for all Nigerians can enhance national security in the 21^st century. Suggestions are made for effective French education in Nigeria followed by conclusion.