By Habeeb Ibrahim
A heated social media debate has erupted after a British user, known as @BasedNorthmathr, made a controversial claim questioning the English proficiency of Nigerians working in the UK’s care sector.
“Why did we make our care sector critically dependent on Nigerians who barely speak English and each bring with them 3 dependents?” the user posted on X (formerly Twitter), sparking backlash for what many deemed a xenophobic and factually misleading statement.
In a swift response, Nigerian-born educator Ifedayo Johnson, currently based in the United Kingdom, challenged the user to a public English Language Skills test to debunk the stereotype.
“I’m openly challenging you to an English Language Skills test,” Johnson replied. “This would entail Writing, Listening, Speaking and Reading tests. If your overall score is higher than mine, I’ll quietly pack my bags and leave this country within 24 hours. But if I score higher than you, you’ll keep your mouth shut and never again question or disrespect the English Language skills of any Nigerian.”
Johnson, who served as the 13th Senate President of the Tai Solarin University of Education Student Union (TASUEDSU), further proposed that the test be conducted transparently via a Twitter Space with the added requirement that both parties disclose their highest level of university education before the test.
@BasedNorthmathr responded: “Okay I’ll do it,” agreeing to an IELTS comparison.
Johnson, not stopping there, issued a second challenge focused on economic contribution and civic responsibility. “After this first phase… we’ll compare what each of us contributes to the UK in terms of taxes and what we take from it in terms of public benefits. If I take more than I contribute, I’ll pack my bags and leave. But if I give more than I take and it turns out you do the opposite, then you’ll stop dragging Nigerians into your agenda.”
The online exchange has ignited widespread discussion, especially after statistics from the UK Government, shared by data firm Statisense, revealed that Nigerians top the list of main applicants with the highest level of English fluency among immigrants.
According to figures from GOV.UK, Nigerians lead the chart of main applicants to the UK with 95% reported as “very fluent or near fluent” in English. They are followed by Ghanaians at 90%, Australians and Americans at 89%, Zimbabweans at 80%, and Europeans at 77%. Other Africans also rank high with 88% fluency. In contrast, the figures drop for applicants from India (60%), Pakistan (51%), the Philippines (40%), and other Asian countries (45%).
With a date yet to be set, many have praised Johnson’s response as a firm stand against misinformation and discrimination, highlighting the role Nigerians play in sustaining key UK sectors.
