Nigerians reacts on social media to the need for IELTS
Thousands of Nigerians have taken to social media to express their displeasure over the mandatory International English Language Testing System (IELTS), for Nigerians who want to study in the United Kingdom, parts of Europe and US.
A petition has been signed by about 50 000 Nigerians who are mainly calling for an end to the test, which many describe as unfair.
The test of English-language proficiency for non-native English-language speakers is mostly managed by the British Council at a cost of $200 (£151) which is valid for two years.
Many have wondered why the results should last for two years claiming that is a way of distorting money from people and also preventing many Nigerians from travelling to the UK.
The petitioners argue that since English is Nigeria’s official language and the first language for many people here, a legacy of British colonial rule, the country should be exempt from the test.
This is not the first time this issue is coming up, but the British council is yet to respond to this issue.
IELTS dates back to 1980. It started as a joint venture of Cambridge English Language Assessment and the British Council. this venture was called UCLES or University of Cambridge Local Examination Syndicate.
Read few reactions below;
Let students from US, UK, Canada, Australia etc write IELTS for research purposes
— Samuel Ajayi 🇳🇬🗣️🌐 (@SamdGreat01) January 26, 2022
If they have a score significantly higher than what most Nigerians get, then I'll agree we need it
If not, then d test is just a money making scheme, & Nigeria is the market@ukhomeoffice#IELTS
Dear UK Home Office,
— Dr_Saater🇨🇦🇳🇬 (@Dr_Caater) January 26, 2022
There is no valid reason, apart from financial why IELTS should expire in two years.
If we can study in Nigeria in English and achieve good grades, we can equally study in the UK and achieve good grades without IELTS.#ReformIELTSPolicy
#Nigeria 🇳🇬 is not a French-speaking country but if a Nigerian writes DELF for N16,000, the result is valid for life
— Eben (@EbenezarWikina) January 25, 2022
but despite being an English-speaking country, I have to write IELTS for N89,500 and my result expires in 2 years
Do the math! #ReformIELTSPolicy #IELTS #TOEFL pic.twitter.com/ujlmtkTcPF
