Nigeria improves in global English proficiency index, secures 3rd spot in Africa

Nigeria has made significant strides in English proficiency, ranking 28th in the world and third in Africa in the 2022 EF English Proficiency Index (EF EPI).

Nigeria ranked behind Kenya and South Africa.

The EF EPI ranks countries by the English language skills of adults who take the test.

“This report investigates and analyses the results of 2.1 million adults who took our EF SET English tests in 2021,” the statement reads.

“Africa’s English proficiency remained steady this year with no countries changing proficiency band.

“Of the countries which have been in the index for at least five years, only Algeria, Nigeria and Tunisia have made significant gains.”

The report found that Nigeria still has a significant gender gap, with women enjoying a slight advantage.

“Men’s English caught up to women’s in Africa for the first time this year, but the regional average masks the fact that a majority of countries still have a significant gender gap (over 20 points),” the report reads.

“Ethiopia, Nigeria, Rwanda and Ghana have among the widest gender gaps in the world in favor of women, while Uganda and Tunisia have among the widest in favor of men.”

Here is the list of African countries and their ranks: