Is Nigeria an English-Speaking Country?

I believe if you are a Nigerian, you would probably find this question ridiculous. Unfortunately, despite Nigeria being a former British colony and a member of the Commonwealth, there is glaring evidence that the UK government doubts our ability to speak English even though English is our official language of learning and means of everyday communication.


This doubt has resulted in the UK government mandating Nigerians to present ‘evidence of English language speaking abilities’ to apply for visas or educational opportunities in the UK.
Bright and talented Africans, especially Nigerians, would agree with me that one significant hurdle they have had to face in seeking better opportunities to further their studies and advance in knowledge is the issue of IELTS.


I have lost opportunities primarily because I do not have the financial capabilities to sit for the IELTS exams. My inability to sit for the IELTS exams has also cost me my chance of applying for the ongoing Erasmus Mundus Scholarship, which lists the IELTS certificate as a mandatory document for applicants from Nigeria.


Aside from the relatively high cost of this exam (about $202), the certificate is valid for just two years which is very depressing if you cannot secure an opportunity within this timeframe.


For instance, Judith, a friend of mine, would be writing this exam for the second time in three years because she could not secure the scholarship opportunity she had applied for earlier and coupled with the COVID-19 pandemic.


The situation gets even more frustrating for aspiring scholars from financially disadvantaged backgrounds and hence cannot afford this exam.


I believe everyone, whether poor or rich, should be allowed to pursue their dreams. An IELTS certificate should not hinder anyone, especially young Africans from English-speaking countries like Nigeria.


Hence, I have decided to join the #ReformIELTSPolicy movement and lend my voice to ask for the reform of the IELTS Policy to ensure inclusion for young Nigerians from poor homes seeking educational opportunities abroad to advance in knowledge to bring about sustainable change back in their countries.


Special thanks to the Founder of Policy Shapers and Convener of the #ReformIELTSPolicy movement - Ebenezar Wikina.

You can read more about this movement at https://policyshapers.com/2021/11/02/this-is-why-we-are-asking-the-uk-home-office-to-reformieltspolicy-for-anglophone-africans/