Beyond French: UNILAG Woos Lagos Pupils With Russian Language, Scholarships
By Gbenga Adewale
The University of Lagos (UNILAG), Akoka, has taken a significant step towards promoting Russian language education among Nigerian children by engaging primary and secondary school students in a programme designed to expose them to the opportunities associated with learning the Russian language.
The programme, tagged “Discover the Russian World,” was held on Wednesday at the Faculty of Arts, University of Lagos, and was organised by the Department of European Languages and Integration Studies, UNILAG.
The event brought together students, educators and stakeholders in Russian language education to discuss the growing opportunities available to students who study the Russian language, both in Nigeria and abroad.
Speaking at the event, the Director of the Russian Language Preparatory Centre (RLPC), Course Adviser of the Russian Unit and Ambassador for Russian Education and Science, Dr. Joshua Orabiyi, said the initiative was designed to extend the benefits of Russian language education beyond the university level to Nigerian primary and secondary schools.
Dr. Orabiyi noted that Nigerian universities, including the University of Lagos and other institutions, had produced graduates of Russian language studies over the years. However, according to him, many graduates had not been able to fully utilise their qualifications as Russian language teachers because Russian had not traditionally been incorporated into Nigeria’s mainstream primary and secondary school curriculum.
He said this gap informed the establishment of the Russian Language for Nigerian Schools (RLNS) initiative, which seeks to introduce Russian language education from the primary level through secondary education.
According to him, the programme is being implemented in collaboration with relevant stakeholders, with the aim of making Russian language education accessible to Nigerian children at an early age.
«“The Russian Language Preparatory Centre has been working with relevant stakeholders to launch the Russian Language for Nigerian Schools project. The project is being taken to the grassroots, from primary schools to secondary schools, so that Russian language education will not remain only at the university level but will also be available to children at the basic education level,” he said.»
Dr. Orabiyi added that the initiative had already begun to gain momentum in Lagos State and other parts of Nigeria.
He disclosed that about five to six schools had already signed up for the programme in Lagos, while between 10 and 15 schools across Nigeria had expressed interest or registered for the programme.
He further explained that representatives of about four schools were able to attend the UNILAG event out of the six schools formally invited, noting that logistical challenges prevented some schools from participating.
Among the schools represented were schools from Festac Town, Bethel International College, Ojodu, schools from Ofada, and students from the Mowe-Ibafo axis. Schools from Ikorodu were also expected to participate.
Dr. Orabiyi also emphasised the international importance of the Russian language, noting that Russian is one of the six official languages of the United Nations.
He described Russian as an important language in the fields of science, technology, industry, diplomacy and international relations.
He disclosed that the initiative was also expanding beyond Lagos, with discussions and activities taking place in Abuja and other parts of the country.
«“I can categorically tell you that another school is launching a Russian Club soon, and Russian language education will be taken to another state from October 2026,” he said.»
According to him, learning the Russian language also provides students with an opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of Russian culture, history and society.
Dr. Orabiyi further stated that Russian language education could open doors to educational opportunities, including scholarships and international study programmes.
He explained that Russian language graduates were already working in various ministries, institutions and organisations, while opportunities for further study in Russia continued to attract Nigerian students.
He added that students who demonstrate outstanding performance could benefit from scholarship opportunities and educational programmes in Russia.
UNILAG Professor Encourages Students to Embrace Russian
Also speaking at the event, Professor Leon Balogun, a Professor of French Language in the Department of European Languages and Integration Studies, University of Lagos, encouraged the participating secondary school students, particularly students of Bethel International College, Ojodu, to take Russian language studies seriously and embrace the language from an early age.
Prof. Balogun said the programme was not intended to exclude anyone but rather to bring together young lovers and learners of the Russian language from primary and secondary schools.
He urged the students to see the Russian language as a subject with significant future opportunities.
«“The sky is the beginning for every student who takes the language seriously today, because the subject now has a future in Nigeria,” he said.»
Speaking with the Cfame News correspondent, Prof. Balogun said the department had received information about several opportunities in the pipeline for students studying Russian, including possible scholarship opportunities for primary and secondary school students in Nigeria and abroad.
He disclosed that discussions with the Federal Government on expanding opportunities for Russian language students were ongoing.
Prof. Chukube Commends Students’ Interest
Professor Chuka Chukube, a Professor of Russian Language at the University of Lagos, also commended the younger students for showing interest in learning Russian.
He expressed optimism that their early exposure to the language would help them achieve greater heights in their academic and professional careers.
Prof. Chukube also invited the students and participants at the event to attend his forthcoming inaugural lecture scheduled for 11 December 2026.
He appreciated the management of the participating schools for releasing their students to attend the programme, describing their participation as an important step towards promoting Russian language education among young Nigerians.
Reflecting on his own generation, he recalled that when they studied Russian at the University of Ibadan and in Moscow, some parents were initially uncertain about the future prospects of studying the language.
«“But today, it is very impressive that we have opportunities, and we are happy that our younger ones will be coming up,” he said.»
Russian Culture on Display
The programme also featured cultural performances by students of the Russian Language Unit of the University of Lagos.
The students entertained participants with Russian songs and dance performances, providing the younger students with an opportunity to experience aspects of Russian culture beyond classroom language learning.
Another speaker, Professor John Faloju, noted that the Russian language and culture occupy a special place in the academic lives of many lecturers and professors at the University of Lagos.
While acknowledging the challenges associated with learning a foreign language and understanding a different culture, he encouraged the pupils to remain committed to their studies.
Prof. Faloju urged the students not to underestimate themselves, stressing that with determination, discipline and proper education, they could achieve their ambitions and become whatever they desired in life.
The “Discover the Russian World” programme therefore provided a platform for Nigerian students to interact with Russian language educators, experience elements of Russian culture and learn about emerging academic and international opportunities associated with studying the Russian language.
