By: Manoah Kikekon
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| Sesi Fagbeji-Agemo and Nigeria French Language Village |
The management of the Nigeria French Language Village, situated in Ajara, Badagry, Lagos State, has refuted widespread rumors alleging that the Federal Government intends to transfer the institution out of Badagry to another region of the nation.
Dismissing the claims as baseless speculation, the institution's authorities advised the public to ignore the rumors, reaffirming that the inter-university center remains fully active at its original location and continues to execute its mandate efficiently.
The official response was issued through a press release on Friday, 16 October 2026, signed by Mrs Sessi Fagbeji-Agemo, the Deputy Registrar in charge of Information and Protocols.
This official rebuttal follows concerns raised a day earlier by a Badagry social commentator, Prince Samuel Mawutin Ofade. Ofade had alerted the public to an alleged scheme to move the establishment to Northern Nigeria, characterizing the potential move as detrimental to local interests and an example of marginalization by central authorities. He had called on key political figures and government representatives within Badagry and Lagos State to investigate the matter and protect community assets.
Addressing the speculation, the management highlighted that the center enjoys steady backing from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's administration.
The statement noted that as one of Nigeria's four specialized federal inter-university centers, the French Language Village remains steadfast in providing French language instruction to university students and professionals across the country.
Highlighting its historical impact, the center revealed that over its 35-year existence, it has trained more than 73,000 undergraduates drawn from 52 federal, state, and private universities. Additionally, its programs have benefited thousands of diplomatic personnel, public servants, corporate executives, military officers, and secondary school graduates.
Furthermore, the management pointed to the institution's recent reinstatement in 2025 as a beneficiary of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund)—following a 14-year hiatus—as concrete evidence of the current administration's commitment to its growth and stability in Badagry.
Calling for an end to unverified claims, the management cautioned commentators against entangling the institution's name in political disputes involving the Federal Government or the ruling party.