Quest for Canadian Visa drives hundreds into UB for French proficiency exam

By Beatrice Manka’a

Hundreds of Cameronians, most of them young people, flocked into the University of Buea (UB) on April 25, 2024, to register for the Test de Connaissance du Français (TCF).

This event came after the Dean of the Faculty of Arts, Prof Epuge Michael announced the reopening of the TCF certification exam, with the first session scheduled for May 2024.

The TCF, also known as the French proficiency test, attracted thousands of candidates eager to certify their French proficiency.

The scramble for the exam was not unconnected to youth migration, an issue that has plagued Cameroon for years now.

Many of the country’s young people are seeking to leave the country at all cost, owing to dwindled prospects for decent employment, conflict, economic and political frustration.

The TCF for Canada, part of the immigration procedures, is open to individuals of any nationality or mother tongue who need to certify their French proficiency.

Furthermore, TCF Canada is recognized by the Canadian Ministry of Inclusion, Francisation and Immigration (MIFI) for immigration applications in the province of Quebec.

In a bid to increase their chances of obtaining a Canadian Visa, thousands of young persons flocked into UB to register for the exam.

Candidates traveled from far and wide to participate, with many expressing determination to complete the registration process despite the long queues.

Essembion Nathalie, a candidate from Yaoundé, was among those who queued up for several hours in order to register.

“I have been here since morning and it felt like the line wouldn’t end. Most of us left from far to come for this, so we are traveling back today,” she told MMI.

The registration process involved registering names at the University of Buea, obtaining a form, and depositing a sum of FCFA 200,000 at Atlantic Bank.

Nathalie also mentioned that the exam sessions would start in May, with candidates not necessarily writing in the same month.

The examination will be held at CURELF – former Alliance Franco Camerounaise, located at Bongo Square, Buea.

With the demand for French proficiency certification on the rise, the reopening of the TCF examination in UB presents an opportunity for individuals seeking to improve their prospects for immigration or academic purposes.

©Mimi Mefo Info