The University of Ilorin has received advanced digital equipment from the Embassy of France in Nigeria following its emergence as a Gold-Level beneficiary of the “Bilingual and Competitive” initiative.
The intervention, which places the University among the top-ranking participating institutions, is aimed at equipping the Department of French with modern digital tools to strengthen French language education in Nigeria.
While receiving the delegation from the French Embassy last Friday (March 27, 2026), the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, SAN, commended the French Government for its sustained academic support and collaboration with Nigerian universities.
Prof. Egbewole described the University of Ilorin as a leading destination for international students, noting that the newly delivered digital facilities would significantly enhance the teaching and learning of the French language.
He further stressed the need to deepen academic collaboration between the University and the French Embassy, particularly in research development. According to him, while the digital tools would improve access to modern learning platforms, there is also a need to empower academic staff to engage in high-quality, globally competitive research.
The Vice Chancellor expressed optimism that the partnership could expand to include research grants and other scholarly support, enabling lecturers to strengthen their research capacity alongside teaching.
He also assured that the installation of the equipment would be completed promptly to allow immediate utilisation by students and staff, adding that the intervention aligns with the University’s long-term goal of becoming a globally competitive centre of excellence.
Speaking on the project, the Director of Administration at Ted Prime Ltd, Mr. Ayo Odegbola Ayodele, revealed that the company was contracted by the French Embassy to supply and install the specialised digital equipment for the University’s Department of French.
He listed the items delivered to include laptops preloaded with French learning resources, headsets, smart television sets, and webcams—tools designed to create a modern, technology-driven learning environment.
Mr. Ayodele explained that the equipment forms a key part of the broader “Bilingual and Competitive” initiative, which seeks to reposition French language education in Nigerian universities and equip students with language skills necessary for global competitiveness.
He added that the programme is designed to enable Nigerian youths to communicate effectively with neighbouring Francophone countries while breaking language barriers in international engagements.
Beyond the Department of French, he noted that the initiative aims to expand access to French language learning across multiple disciplines within the University.
Mr. Ayodele congratulated the University of Ilorin on its selection as a Gold-Level beneficiary, describing the process as highly competitive. He also praised the University management for its strong support for the Department of French, noting that such commitment played a key role in securing the recognition.
He concluded by expressing confidence that the University has the capacity to develop one of the most impactful and functional digital resource centres in Nigeria.