Management of French Language Departments in Nigerian Universities: Administrative Challenges and Best Practices

French language departments in Nigerian universities face a set of administrative and management challenges that directly affect the quality of academic programmes, staff welfare, and student outcomes. These challenges, including budget constraints, curriculum governance, staff recruitment and retention, and departmental leadership, have received minimal systematic documentation in educational management research. This study examines the administrative challenges and management practices of French departments in selected Nigerian universities across four geopolitical zones: Bayero University Kano, University of Nigeria Nsukka, University of Lagos, and University of Maiduguri. A qualitative multiple case study design was employed, with semi-structured interviews conducted with fourteen department heads, eight deans of arts, and six university registrars. Document analysis of departmental strategic plans, annual reports, and staff records supplemented interview data. Results identify underfunding, reliance on adjunct and non-specialist staff, irregular curriculum review, and limited research output as shared challenges across all four departments. Best practices identified include peer-review based course assessment at University of Nigeria Nsukka, staff exchange partnerships at University of Lagos, and alumni engagement for professional network development. The study recommends a national French department management framework incorporating minimum staffing standards, regular curriculum review cycles, and designated budget lines for language laboratory maintenance and staff professional development. Keywords: French department management, university administration, academic management, Nigerian universities, language department