The Athabasca University, Canada on 16 June 2022 added Nigeria to the list of countries exempted from English language proficiency tests before admission.
The waiver for Nigeria comes after Dr Olumuyiwa Igblalajobi, a Nigerian postdoctoral research fellow in Canada, whose efforts also led to the granting of a full waiver to Nigeria by the University of Alberta, Canada, in June, wrote a letter of protest to the university.
“I write to call your attention to a list on your English language proficiency page that does not recognize Nigeria as an English-speaking country,” Igbalajobi stated in a mail addressed to the university on 9 June 2022.
“The official language in Nigeria is English which automatically translates to the fact (sic) all institutions from elementary to tertiary education are taught in English.
“I affirmatively believe that your university attracts applicants from different backgrounds and inclusion is germane to her. It will be greatly appreciated if Nigeria is included in the list of exempted countries similar to that of the University of Calgary, University of Manitoba, University of Toronto, and other universities in Canada.”
On Wednesday, 20 June, Igblalajobi took to Twitter to announce that the school has removed Nigeria from its list of countries required to write the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), and other English tests before enrollment.
“Glad to inform you all that Nigeria and other English-speaking African countries have been added to the List of Countries exempted from the English Language Proficiency Requirement at Athabasca University,” he tweeted.
- TIME Names Burna Boy on 2024 Most Influential People List - April 18, 2024
- N100 Billion Corruption Case Take New Turn As EFCC Seeks Yahaya Bello’s Arrest - April 18, 2024
- Tinubu Opens Doors for NOUN Graduates in NYSC and Law School - April 18, 2024
