French Government Honours UNN Don
French government, Wednesday, decorated a Professor of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Paul Modum, with a French national award of Palmes Academique (Order of Academic Palms), for his dedication to promoting French Language and culture.
The award, which is the first of its kind to a Nigerian Professor, was conferred on Prof. Modum by the Consul-General of France, His Excellency, Francois Sastourne at the Princess Alexandra Unity Hall and theatre, UNN
Speaking at the event, the Consul-General said the French government was pleased to honour Prof. Modum because of his unrelenting promotion of the study of French language in Nigeria. “Generations of students studied under you, many occupy very important positions in life today, you contributed to their growth by exposing them to have contact with French and French Literature. It is important and we are impressed by this effort.
“You have also opened the doors of sophisticated world culture, which in other words could be called the francophone world, to hundreds of young people, who by this opportunity are now well informed. For this singular act, we say thank you Paul Modum,” he said.
In his acceptance speech, Prof. Modum expressed happiness for being recognised by the French government, and noted that his decision to study French Language in 1962, was born out of his love for languages not because he had no alternatives. He recalled how he turned down an offer to study law at the University of Lagos but opted to study languages at the University of Ibadan.
He urged the French Government to revitalize the scholarship given to French students to study one year in France or other francophone countries, that enabled them gain exposure and have contact with French speaking people and their ways of thinking.
He thanked the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Nigeria; Prof. Bartho Okolo for enhancing the academic and aesthetic standard of the University, a development he said had impacted positively on the academic and social well-being of staff and students of the Institution.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Nigeria, Prof. Bartho Okolo had expressed his pleasure to the French Government for the conferment of the prestigious award on a faculty member of the University. He said that the award was a reflection of the value of excellence which the University of Nigeria was reputed for.
“In my opinion, the award is truly well-deserved, because Prof. Modum has been on the staff of the University for over three decades during which he has taught many students and contributed significantly to the development of teaching and learning of French language and literature.
“This award does not only celebrate this bright, hardworking and passionate scholar, Prof. Modum, but also our University, which provided the platform on which he achieved this feat.
"Today’s award is gladdening because it serves to remind us of the value of excellence for which our university is known. It also shows that we can achieve excellence in our various disciplines despite the not-so-ideal conditions under which we operate,” he said.
The Vice-Chancellor expressed the readiness of the University of Nigeria to collaborate with French Universities to enable French nationals teach French Language in the Institution.
Palmes Academique award is an Order of Chivalry of France for academics, cultural and educational figures. It was originally a decoration founded by Emperor Napoléon to honour distinguished members of the University of Paris. It was changed into its current form as an order on 4 October 1955 by President René Coty. Since then, French Government has used the award to honour individuals who had made significant contribution to the promotion of French Language and culture.
Inya, Agha E.