CERTIFICATE IN FRENCH PROGRAMMES
DIPLOMA IN FRENCH PROGRAMME
The Nigeria French Language Village Celebrates Prof. Kolawole and Wife
The Nigeria French Language Village (NFLV) in Badagry, Lagos, was on Tuesday an ambiance of joy and admiration as the entire academic staff members gathered to celebrate a remarkable milestone in the life of the Director and Chief Executive Officer, Professor (Chief) Samuel Oladiipo Kolawole, and his wife Chief (Mrs.) Comfort Modupe Kolawole. The gathering was in honor of the couple’s recent recognition in Ekiti State, where they were conferred with the prestigious traditional titles as Otunba Akorewolu and Yeye Otunba Akorewolu of Ijurin Ekiti.
From the early hours of the day, the atmosphere of the academic arena where the event was hosted was that of festivity and glamour. Stating the purpose of the celebration, Dr. Akudo Ugwumba, the Dean of Studies in her opening remarks stated that, the news of the conferment of chieftaincy titles on Prof. Kolawole and his dear wife is in public domain and only five academic staff members was able to travel to Ijurin Ekiti to witness the ceremony. Since the couple was present in the village, the entire academia of the Nigeria French Language Village deemed it honourable to share in the joy by celebrating the couple. Row call at the gathering include Professors E. A. Adeniyi, M. O. Adesola, S. O. Ajayi, and F. A. Soyoye, Also present was the Acting Librarian, Dr. A. A. Adejo, and other lecturers including Dr. E. I/ Odoh, Dr. O. Atoyebi, Dr. Victor Atsaam, Mrs. Chidubem Akinyede, Mrs. Patience Olumese, Mr. Sunny Opara, Mr, Conneil Agboton, Mr. Wabi Bello, Mr. M. A. Sanni, Mr. J.O.K. Alabi, among others.
The colleagues exchanged pleasantry as they converged to pay tribute to a leader they described as visionary and inspiring. The celebration was not just about the chieftaincy titles, but also a collective acknowledgment of Professor Kolawole’s unwavering commitment to the growth of the institution and his hometown alike. In the course of the event, members of the academic staff took turn to deliver heartfelt congratulatory messages praising the Chief Executive Officer for his sterling leadership qualities, humility, and relentless drive to uplift both the Nigeria French Language Village and his native Ijurin community. Many recalled with fondness how they were gladly received in Ijurin, Ekiti State, during the traditional ceremony, describing the experience as warm, colourful, and deeply rooted in rich Yoruba culture. Several staff members expressed how proud they felt to witness firsthand the recognition of the Director’s contributions to the development of his hometown and the broader Ekiti community.
In his response, Professor Kolawole spoke with visible emotion and deep gratitude. He thanked the academic staff for their overwhelming show of support and for the kind words that resonated through the hall. Reflecting on the honor bestowed upon him, he emphasized that the chieftaincy title symbolizing a bringer of wealth and progress was not just a personal accolade but an inspiration to extend the same spirit of growth and prosperity to the Nigeria French Language Village. “As I have been recognized for bringing wealth into my hometown,” he said, “it is my promise to ensure that this institution, too, experiences positive changes and enduring development during my tenure”.
Standing proudly beside him, his wife offered her own words of appreciation. With warmth and grace, she thanked the staff and colleagues for the love and respect shown to their family. She described the recognition as both humbling and uplifting, noting that the outpouring of goodwill from the NFLV community made the honor even more memorable.
To mark the occasion, the academic staff presented the Director with a beautifully designed photo frame of the couple in in their chieftaincy traditional attire - a symbolic token of admiration and respect. Applause rend the air as the gift was unveiled, further underscoring the unity and joy that defined the celebration. The gathering concluded with a vibrant group photograph, capturing the radiant smiles and shared pride of everyone present.
The day will undoubtedly be remembered as more than a simple congratulatory event. It was a powerful testament to community spirit, cultural heritage, and the profound impact of a leader whose influence extends far beyond the walls of the Nigeria French Language Village.
Prof. Kolawole Cultivates Community Ties with Royal Visit to Ajara Agamathen Kingdom
In
a gesture of respect and community engagement, Professor Oladiipo Kolawole, PhD, FNITI, the newly appointed Director / Chief Executive Officer of
the Nigeria French Language Village (NFLV), led a delegation comprising
Principal Officers to the palace of His Royal Majesty, Agano Toniyon I, the
Aholu of Ajara Agamathen Kingdom, for a familiarization visit. The visit
commenced with introduction of the esteemed monarch, HRM Aholu Agano Toniyon I.
The 61 years old monarch born on May 20, 1963 ascended the throne on January
24, 2018 and would celebrate his 62nd birthday in May, 2025. His remarkable
journey, from a vulcanizer to a revered king and Chief Executive Officer of
Agano Tyre Care, commissioned on January 25, 2025 was highlighted, showcasing
his community leadership and entrepreneurial spirit.
Professor
Oladiipo initiated the interaction with heartfelt appreciation for the King's
support to the NFLV. He emphasized the visit's primary objective which was to
seek continued support and blessings for the institution. As a Yoruba man, he
conveyed the importance of maintaining close ties with the traditional
leadership and fostering collaborative relationship.
His
Royal Majesty, Aholu Agano Toniyon I expressed profound satisfaction with the
visit, noting its historical significance. He acknowledged that Professor
Kolawole was the first NFLV Director / CEO to pay him a courtesy visit, a
gesture he deeply appreciated. He equally acknowledged the fact that he had the
honour of receiving the NFLV delegation as the Concenting Authority to Ajara
Dokoh where the Nigeria French Language Village is situated and that equally
explained the presence of the Baale of Ajara Dokoh, Chief Folorunso Sonayon
Sunday on his team for the reception. He was delighted to stated that he sent a
congratulatory letter to Prof, Kolawole on his assumption of duty in French
Village and was also aware that the Baale of Ajara Dokoh did same, adding that
the actions pointed to the fact that both communities acknowledged that a
dignitary has arrived their midst. He encouraged the NFLV and the Director to
consider the palace a home that could be visited anytime as he passionately
advocated for job opportunities for Ajara / Badagry youths, stressing the
community's desire to partake in the opportunities presented by the NFLV.
Prof. Kolawole Visits EKEDC, Seeks Enhanced Power Supply
Prof. S. O. Kolawole, D/CEO, NFLV (R) presenting
gift to Enr, I. Ajayi (L), Zonal Mgr,. EKEDC, BadagryProfessor Samuel
Oladiipo Kolawole FNITI, the Director / Chief Executive Officer of
the Nigeria French Language Village (NFLV) paid a courtesy visit to Badagry
Zonal Office of Eko Electricity Distribution Company (EKEDC), to familiarize
and foster a stronger working relationship.
The Zonal Manager, Engr.
Isaac Ajayi, warmly received his guest in company of Engr Olukunle Olukoya, the
Zonal Distribution Supervisor, in his Office. The Director / Chief Executive
Officer who was accompanied by Principal Officers of the Nigeria French
Language Village appreciated his host, Engr. Isaac Ajayi for the cordial
customer-client relationship existing between both parties and equally presented
the challenges of inadequate power supply which was imparting negatively on teaching
and research activities in the institution. He stressed the importance of a
reliable power supply for the NFLV, an Inter-University Center hosting numerous
French Undergraduates from public and private tertiary institutions in Nigeria.
He expressed concern over the current low electricity supply, noting the
institution's heavy reliance on generators, which is both costly and
inefficient. The Director / CEO made a plea for special consideration and a
mutually beneficial agreement regarding electricity distribution hours in NFLV.
The Zonal Manager in
his response reaffirmed EKEDC's commitment to improved services. He encouraged
open communication, assuring the Prof. Kolawole of EKEDC's readiness to provide
assistance with accessories, billing, and transformer issues. He equally
acknowledged the challenges, explaining that the current insufficient power
supply was due to the ongoing upgrade work in Badagry, which is expected to
last approximately forty-five days. He equally offered a promising solution,
pledging improvement in electricity supply.
Professor Kolawole
concluded the meeting by extending a warm invitation to the EKEDC Badagry
branch to visit the NFLV reiterating the institution's reliance on Engr.
Ajayi’s promise of consistent power supply.
PROF KOLAWOLE MEETS THE EXECUTIVE SECRETARY, NUC
Photo :L-R: Prof. S. O, Kolawole, D/CEO, NFLV, Prof. Abdulahi Ribadu, ES, NUC & Prof. L.B. Ayeleru, former D/CEO, NFLV
Professor Samuel Oladiipo KOLAWOLE, FNITI,
Director / Chief Executive Officer on assumption of duty has commenced
establishing relationships that matter in the course of steering the ship of
the Nigeria French Language Village. The first step in the right direction
taken by the Professor of Translation and Interpretation Studies was his visit
to the Executive Secretary, National Universities Commission, Prof. Abdullahi
Yusuf Ribadu in Abuja. Prof. Kolawole was led by his predecessor, Prof L. B.
Ayeleru on the familiarization visit and was received by the NUC boss in his
office. The Executive Secretary who is
coincidentally a French enthusiast was delighted to receive the newly appointed
5th Director / Chief Executive Officer and while congratulating him, pledged
the Commission’s support to enable the Inter-University Centre for French
Studies in Nigeria deliver on its mandate.
Nigeria French Language Village Pays Homage to Badagry Monarch
A significant step in fostering community relations was taken as Prof. S. O. Kolawole, FNITI, the newly appointed and the fifth Director / Chief Executive Officer of the Nigeria French Language Village (NFLV) made a familiarization visit to His Royal Majesty, De Wheno Aholu Menu-Toyi I, the 25th Akran of Badagry Kingdom, Paramount Ruler of Badagry Division and the Permanent Vice Chairman of Lagos State Council of Obas and Chiefs his first port of call. The revered monarch whose diverse and impactful career, according to Chief Oviavo Mobee, spanned teaching, headmastership, and journalism, received his august guest and his entourage.
Following the royal introduction, the focus shifted to the newly appointed Director/CEO, Professor Diipo Kolawole, a Professor of Translation and Interpretation Studies from Ekiti State University and Fellow, Nigeria Institute of Translators and Interpreters (FNITI), setting the stage for the core purpose of the visit, which was to formally introduce the new Director/CEO to His Royal Majesty, seek his royal blessing and consolidate the existing cordial relationship between the Inter-University Centre and the royal palace. Professor Kolawole, demonstrating his cultural awareness, began his address with a traditional Yoruba greeting to the king. He emphasized the importance of paying homage to the king, recognizing him as a father figure and a vital host in the Badagry community. He expressed gratitude to Aholu Akran for his unwavering support to the growth and development of the Nigeria French Language Village as he equally pledged to strengthen the existing relationship between the Monarch the Inter-University Centre.
The palace Chiefs, in their contribution, commended the previous Directors / CEOs and expressed hope that Professor S. O. Kolawole would continue the legacy of excellence. They emphasized the importance of inclusivity, urging that the Badagry community be given priority in opportunities and privileges acruing from the Nigeria French Language Village. Highlighting the role of palace Chiefs in inter-facing with tourists, they equally requested sponsorship for Chiefs to participate in French language proficiency courses.
The familiarization visit concluded with heartfelt prayers for Prof. S. O. Kolawole, the Director / Chief Executive Officer. This event solidified the bond between the Nigeria French Language Village and the Akran’s royal palace, promising a future of continued collaboration and mutual benefit.
EVENING AND WEEKEND PROGRAMME (MARCH 2025)
NIGERIA FRENCH LANGUAGE VILLAGE
(Inter –University Centre for French Studies)
P.M.B 1011, Badagry, Lagos
State.
EVENING AND WEEKEND PROGRAMME (MARCH 2025)
Registration for the 2025 Evening and Weekend
programme is now open.
The Evening and Weekend programmes are subsidized
corporate social responsibility driven programmes of the Nigeria French
Language Village. The programmes offer a flexible way to learn French at your
own pace. It is ideal for professionals, students and language enthusiasts. It
equips you with practical skills for communication, career growth and cultural
enrichment all tailored to your learning goals.
DURATION
16 weeks for each module
Evening
Programme:
4.00p.m. - 7.00p.m. (Tuesdays and Thursdays only)
Weekend
Programme: 9.00a.m. – 4.00p.m. (Saturdays
only)
Sale of Forms: ongoing till March 17, 2025
Commencement of Lectures
(i)
Evening programme –
Tuesday March 18, 2025
(ii)
Weekend programme –
Saturday March 22, 2025
ADMISSION
REQUIREMENTS
Candidate must be 15 years of
age or above and must be sufficiently literate to follow the lectures.
We are admitting into Module
1, 2 and 3 programmes.
REGISTRATION
FORMS: N5,000
COURSE
FEE: N30,000
MODE
OF PAYMENT
Payment for the registration
form can be made through the Remita platform and the receipt presented to the
Village Consult for collection of form.
Completed form must be
returned with evidence of payment of full course fee, made through the Nigeria
French Language Village CBN E-collection account No. 1000132 via the REMITA platform at any commercial Bank.
The duly completed form must
be returned to the Consultancy Services Unit on or before
March
17, 2025.
For further enquiries, please
contact The HOD (FSP) on 08060300429, KOMI on 08034656840, OLUKA on 07085906025,
KUTON on 08022716655 or Aisha on 08145017094
E-mail : nflvconsult@gmail.com
Signed
Miss Ini Nwa
Registrar & Secretary to Council
PROFESSOR SAMUEL KOLAWOLE EMERGED THE 5TH DIRECTOR / CEO OF THE NIGERIA FRENCH LANGUAGE VILLAGE, ASSUMES DUTY
Professor Samuel Oladiipo KOLAWOLE, FNITI, has assumed duties on Thursday, February 13, 2025 as the 5th substantive Director / Chief Executive Officer of the Nigeria French Language Village. This follows his appointment by the Governing Council of the institution on February 6, 2025 after a successful interview performance where he outscored three other candidates. Alhaji Labiru Musa Kafur, mni, Chairman of the Governing Council, while presenting Professor Oladiipo his appointment letter, encouraged him to leverage his leadership skills to further the institution's mission. Professor Oladiipo in turn praised the transparent and rigorous selection process and expressed his commitment to making significant contributions to the Nigeria French Language Village.
The
Official handing over of baton of leadership
to Prof. S. O. Kolawole by his predecessor, Prof. Lateef Babatunde Ayeleru, FNAL, was done on Wednesday, February 12, 2025 in a ceremony
witnessed by Principal Officers and the expanded Management members of the
Inter-University Centre, as well as the entourage of the newly appointed
Director / CEO comprising His Royal Majesty, Oba Joachim Adeyemi Afolabi
Ajibola, the Ojurin of Ijurin Ekiti represented by Prince Olusegun Adeola.
family members, friends and associates. In her opening remarks the
Registrar, Miss Ini Nwa stated that the meeting was called as the institution
was “about to witness a transition, the departure of one who has been with
us and to welcome another who is also going to be with us for some time”.
She appreciated the outgoing Director/ CEO and wished him success in his future
endeavours.
Prof. Ayeleru in his opening address,
congratulated his successor on his appointment by the Governing Council. He
equally congratulated him for not having to wait for four months after a
successful interview to collect his letter of appointment. He also commended
the Governing Council for implementing the provision of the University
Miscellaneous Act (as ammended) which has empowered the Council to
announce and appoint the successful candidate who emerge as the Director /
CEO. He noted that the instance case has
made the institution overcome the challenge of having to wait for Abuja to
announce a successor which was the case in his own time where he had to wait
for four months after interview to receive his appointment letter. “It
was a waiting period of prayers and I promised God that the waiting period will
not happen to any of my successors … because the terms and conditions of the
appointment is as that of a Vice Chancelllor of a Federal University”, he
noted as he eulogized Prof. Kolawole as one who came with a load of experiences
far above his.
At the handing over ceremony, Prof. L. B.
Ayeleru handed his red pen, as the symbol of authority to his sucessor with
some words of admonition “as the Director / CEO, you are the
Accounting Officer and the only person spending. The red biro gives the
approval as whatever you ask it to say is law. I pray that you will use it for
the growth of NFLV ….This is a CEO job, it’s not a job
where one goes out to be everybody’s friend. You choose to be everybody’s
friend you will end up not having any friend at the end of the day because you
cannot satisfy everybody” .
The outgoing
Director / CEO equally solicited the cooperation of the entire workforce for
his successor, saying: “the way you have accepted and tolerated me, please
extend it to the new Director. He will not fail you”, Prof. Ayeleru stated.
Prof. S. O. Kolawole in his response
appreciated his predecessor Prof. Lateef Ayeleru for the improvements the
Nigeria French Language Village has witnessed during his administration. He
stated that he (Prof. Kolawole) has been part of the Village since inception.
“I
have been part and parcel of this place since inception, since 1991. I was part
of the first set of people that were interviewed to become lecturers in this
place but I was not appointed. …. but as God will have it, I didn’t come as a
Graduate Assistant) but I am now coming as a Director / CEO … French Village is our own property
and we have to do everything possible to promote it…I want to enjoin you to
please corporate with me so that we can move this place forward together”. He solicited
the cooperation of the entire workforce to enable him succeed in his task.
PROFILE OF PROF. SAMUEL OLADIIPO KOLAWOLE
His
career trajectory showcases a blend of academic and non-academic experiences.
He rose through the ranks, starting as a Graduate Assistant at Ondo State
College of Education, Ikere (1990-1999) and ultimately achieving the esteemed
rank of Professor of Translation Studies at Ekiti State University, Ado-Ekiti
in 2011.
Professor Kolawole's
dedication to scholarship is evident in his impressive record of academic
contributions. He has supervised over 100 undergraduate projects, 15 M.A
dissertations, and 10 Ph.D theses. As a prolific scholar, he has authored and
co-authored 4 theses / dissertations and 49 articles / monographs. His commitment to the academic community is
further exemplified by his participation in several conferences / workshops and
the numerous scholarships, awards, and prizes (16 in total) include among others;
Best Graduating Student, Department of French, Ondo State University, Ado-Ekiti
(1988), A research Schorlarship for “Sejour pedagogique de Haut Niveau”
an award by the French Government at International Centre for Pedagogical
Studies, Universite de Caen, France,
(July - August 1999), Achievers Award as a Distinguished Schorlar and
Ojurin Patriot by Oba J. A. A. Ajibola, to mention a few. He is an Associate
member of Nigerian Association of French Teachers (NAFT), Fellow, Nigeria Institute of Translators and
Interpreters (FNITI), Member, International Association for Translation and
Intercultural Studies (IATIS), among others.
He is Editor-in-Chief, Ado Journal of French and Related Disciplines
(AJOFARD) EKSU, Ado Ekiti, Consulting Editor (and former Editor-in-Chief),
Obitun, Faculty of Arts Journal, EKSU, Ado-Ekiti. His administrative experience
include serving as Head, Department of French (2005-2015), Acting Dean, Faculty
of Arts (2008 – 2009), Dean of Faculty of Arts 2015 – 2019), Chairman, Faculty
of Arts Board of Studies (2008-2010, 2015-2019), Chairman, Committee of Deans
(2018 -2019), External Examiner to several Public and Privately-owned
Universities, including the Nigeria French Language Village, Member, Ekiti
State University Development Committee, Chairman / Member, NUC Accreditation
Committee to various Universities, to mention a few. He was also President,
Apex Club of Ijurin Ekiti (2007-2011, 2015 -2022) and at the moment an ordained
Pastor, Christ Apostolic Church Worldwide since 2004.
Despite being in the
prime of his life, Professor Samuel O. Kolawole remains deeply committed to
knowledge generation, dissemination, and growth. He firmly believes in
contributing to the betterment of humanity by creating opportunities and
possibilities for the younger generation and those yet to come. His vision is
to propel the Nigeria French Language Village to new heights, solidifying its
position as a leading center for French language and cultural studies in
Nigeria. He assumed duties on Thursday, February 13, 2025, succeeding Prof.
Lateef Babatunde Ayeleru, FNAL, whose tenure ended on Wednesday, February 12, 2025.
Sessi Fagbeji-Agemo, Mrs.
Deputy Registrar (Information and Protocol).