FRENCH LANGUAGE IN NIGERIAN POLYTECHNICS – WHAT FUTURE FOR ORAL PROFICIENCY?

Abstract

This study “French Language in Nigerian Polytechnics – what future for oral proficiency?” is an attempt at reversing the cheerless trend in the Nigerian students’ achievement in oral French. Specifically, the primary objectives were to evaluate the present level of ND II secretarial studies students as potential secretaries and integral members of any organization from the standpoints of communication and human relations and, in the light of the findings, to make recommendations for improvement in the teaching and learning of the French Language in Nigerian Polytechnics. The data was generated from three Federal polytechnics in Nigeria, mainly the Federal Polytechnic, Offa (North Central); Federal Polytechnic, Owerri (South East) and Yaba College of Technology (South West). 286 volunteered students were used in the exercises that yielded the data. The methodology adopted was random sampling technique which was used in the Listening Comprehension and Oral Interview selections. The questionnaire approach was also adopted and was administered on the students and the teachers. The data was analyzed by simple percentages following the Oral Rating Scale from the Nigeria French Language Village model of 2015 and that of GOSSELIN Laura of 2011. An earlier Pilot Study had been carried out at the Lagos State
Polytechnic. The result therefore provides a spring board for this present study. The findings revealed students’ inability to make full sentences, insufficiency of French teachers, overcrowded classes, lack of standard syllabus, lack of teaching aids and the absence of motivation for learners
and teachers alike. The study recommends sustainability of French Language in the polytechnics, French for specific purpose with immersion programs for the development of the language for greater personal, institutional and national benefits.