US varsity fully removes Nigeria from English test list after man’s letter
- Florida State University, United States, has fully exempted Nigeria from its list of countries whose students are required to take an English test
- This came after a Nigerian-Canadian academic, Dr Olumuyiwa Igbalajobi, wrote to the university to advocate for the removal
- Over the years, Dr Olumuyiwa has been at the forefront of advocacy for the exemption of applicants from English-speaking African countries from the English test
A win for Nigerians as Florida State University, US, has fully waived the English test for applicants from Nigeria.
Dr Olumuyiwa Igbalajobi, an accomplished scientist, had written to the US varsity on August 7 to advocate for the full exemption of Nigerian applicants after noticing that only some departments in the institution waived the English test for his countrymen.
Dr Olumuyiwa Igbalajobi’s letter led to the uniform removal of Nigeria by the varsity.
Photo Credit: @olumuyiwaayoSource: Twitter
Dr Olumuywai reacts to Florida varsity response
An excited Dr Olumuyiwa shared the breakthrough on X and the response he got from Florida State University. The response he got read:
“Hi Dr. Igbalajobi.
“Thank you for your email and interest in Florida State University.
“In order to meet minimum university admission requirements, an applicant whose native language is not English, must provide English Language Proficiency results. The results must meet minimum university requirements and any additional department requirements.
“However, international applicants who have earned their degree (BA or higher) from Nigeria are NOT required to submit an English language proficiency exam.
“Sincerely.”
Dr Olumuyiwa effecting global change through dialogue
Dr Igbalajobi stated that he has written to over 200 universities worldwide to advocate for the exemption of Africans from English-speaking countries and has had success in his advocacy. He wrote on LinkedIn:
“In my struggle to advocate for the exemption of applicants from English-speaking African countries from the English test over the last two years, I have written to over 200 universities across the globe and successfully used dialogue to make a meaningful change. Trust me, some of these institutions need to be reminded that we are indeed an English-speaking country! We all know what we are doing.”
See his tweet below:
People praised Dr Olumuyiwa Igbalajobi
@OlowofoyehanOlu said:
“Dr. Please help work on that of Montana State University. English proficiency test is waived for Ghanaian whereas it is mandatory for Nigerians.”
@ErinleTunji said:
“You are a mentor and advocate for Nigerians in terms of advancement in education.”
@themediamami said:
“Dr. You’re doing well sir. And their app fee is so cheap. FSU here I come by the special grace of God.”
@Hampo_Chima said:
“No one should disturb about politics. U are doing more than the president already.”
@Mikemandy7 said:
“Weldone Prof. I noticed also from my individual research on some schools that accepted GRE last admission cycle,no longer accept it. In their words ” doesn’t determine success for graduate school” I don’t know if some other persons have noticed this in some programs page.”
@Ibilero said:
“Thank you Dr. @olumuyiwaayo.
“To be sincere, your efforts will leave a lasting impact on our generation and those to come.
“Thanks for rooting for us. 🙏”
@akinseteolami1 said:
“Thank you for your continued support sir. Sir please kindly help us in contacting.
“University of Reading as they only extend exemptions to graduates from Obafemi Awolowo University, University of Ibadan, University of Nigeria, University of Lagos and Covenant University.”
Nigeria deleted from English proficiency list
Meanwhile, Fox Nigeria previously reported that a top Canadian university had removed Nigeria from its English proficiency list.
Henceforth, Nigerian citizens applying for admission into Athabasca University, Canada, will not have to worry about the English proficiency test, as it has been waived.
The waiver came after Dr Igblajobi sent a protest letter to the school, enumerating reasons why Nigerians should not have to take an English test.
Source: Fox Nigeria
