January 5, 2026 l Dalena Reporters
ABUJA — Nigeria has achieved a noteworthy placement in global English language proficiency, ranking fifth among African nations and 29th worldwide, according to the latest English Proficiency Index (EF EPI) 2025 released by Education First (EF). The annual index evaluated the English communication skills of 2.2 million adults across 123 countries and regions, positioning Nigeria ahead of many competitors on the continent.
The EF EPI assessment, which comprehensively measures English language ability, found that Nigeria’s performance reflects the central role of English as the nation’s official language, particularly in governance, education, media, and commerce. With a score of 568 points, Nigeria trails only South Africa, Zimbabwe, Kenya, and Zambia among African nations in English proficiency.
Globally, the ranking places Nigeria ahead of several other English-speaking nations, reinforcing the country’s emerging strength in language skills vital for international business, diplomacy, and educational engagement. The EF data indicates that proficiency levels are influenced by widespread usage of English in formal sectors and its deep integration into national communication frameworks.
The 2025 report also revisited discussions on English language testing abroad, recalling a 2022 petition urging foreign institutions to exempt Nigerians from mandatory English proficiency tests such as the IELTS, arguing that native instruction should warrant exemptions a campaign that at one point garnered significant public support.
Language experts suggest that Nigeria’s strong showing in the EF index underscores the potential for its workforce to participate more effectively in the global knowledge economy, while also highlighting opportunities to further enhance spoken and written English skills across all regions of the country.