French Language Competence and Graduate Employability in South-West Nigeria: Perspectives of Employers

As Nigerian higher education institutions face mounting pressure to demonstrate graduate labour market relevance, the specific employability value of French language competence in the South-West Nigerian labour market has received insufficient empirical documentation. This study examines employer perspectives on French language competence and its contribution to graduate employability in Lagos, Ogun, and Oyo States. A descriptive survey design was used, with structured questionnaires administered to 75 human resource managers and recruitment officers drawn from multinational corporations, federal government agencies, international non-governmental organisations, and hospitality sector firms that regularly recruit university graduates. Results show that 68% of employers reported active preference for candidates with demonstrable French competence in roles involving liaison with francophone markets or international organisations. However, employers consistently noted that French proficiency alone is insufficient and must be accompanied by subject-matter expertise, communication skills, and digital literacy. Sectors recording the highest French competence premium were oil and gas, banking, tourism, and federal civil service. Employers in manufacturing and domestic commerce sectors reported low premium for French, suggesting sector-segmented demand. The study recommends that French departments in South-West Nigerian universities engage in structured employer partnerships, integrate vocational French modules into degree programmes, and develop placement opportunities with francophone-linked firms. Keywords: French competence, graduate employability, employer perspectives, South-West Nigeria, labour market