Nigeria’s diplomats
are the only ones in the world who are ill-equipped in terms of language in International Relations.
A university teacher, Professor Folorunso Adisa Ogunleke, made this assertion on Thursday during his inaugural lecture titled “Bilingualism and International Relations”, at the Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, Rivers State in Port Harcourt, recently.
“In this modern age, it is sad to note that Nigeria is the only country that has many diplomats who do not speak the official language/languages of their host countries.
“Party members are appointed ambassadors instead of career ambassadors who are made idle at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. And this is to the detriment of the Nigerian State”, he said.
Explaining the Concept of Bilingualism/Trilingualism, the Professor of French stated that it implies “the ability to speak and write two or three international languages”, which most Nigerian Diplomats are incapable of.
Contrarily, he continued, the French have instituted trilingualism in their educational system from the junior secondary school level to university, which ensures that every educated French speaks a minimum of two international languages.
“Since international relations are first driven through the vehicle of international languages, in our opinion, French speaking countries are positioned to be better players in international relations”, he said.
Professor Ogunleke, who is the Dean, Faculty of Humanities, IAUE, recalled that towards turning Nigeria into a bilingual country, the late Head of State, General Sani Abacha, had declared that the country will make deliberate effort.
“Nigeria will embark on a vigorous language programme that should ensure that our people, within the shortest possible time, become bilingual”, Professor Ogunleke quoted the late Head of State.
Ogunleke also quoted the “Nigeria Policy on Education on French which emphasized: “For smooth interaction with our neighbours, it is desirable for every Nigerian to speak French.
“Accordingly, French shall be the second official language in Nigeria, and it shall be compulsory in primary and junior secondary schools.”
Unfortunately, he said, since its formulation, it had remained “a mere policy”.
In his address, Acting Vice Chancellor of the University, Professor Joseph Kinanee emphasised on the importance of multi-language competency in international relations.
“I should use this opportunity to repeat that multi-language competency is gradually becoming a veritable survival kit, as some of our frequent – traveller colleagues would attest”, he said.

Stories by Sogbeba Dokubo