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A Nigerian man flips the script on Language snobs, challenging a British national to an open English Language duel.
A Nigerian graduate from Tai Solarin University sparks debate online, issuing an open challenge to a British national to engage in a comprehensive head-to-head English Language proficiency test.
The man, Ifedayo Johnson, who is a linguist, threw the challenge to the British man who said “Nigerians could barely speak the English language“ stirring conversation on the internet.
Standing up for millions of educated Nigerians who have been unfairly judged by their accent, nationality, he intends to make a statement against linguistic prejudice and cultural arrogance.
The Nigerian challenger proposes a full-scale examination of English Language skills on a post he made on Twitter (X) encompassing major components of the English Language.
Skills such as Writing, Speaking, and listening, asserting that both parties should take a test under fair and standardized conditions to determine who demonstrates a superior command of the English Language.
He boldly declared to pack his bags and leave the United Kingdom if the British fellow’s score is higher in the skill test scheduled for Sunday.
However, should he win and his score higher than the British man, the man must cease questioning and belittling the English proficiency of Nigerians.
His stance stems from the frustration of the linguistic elitism of most native English speakers, who wrongly assume linguistic superiority based on nationality rather than skill.
The English Language is not simply acquired by birthplace, but its mastery is a matter of effort, education, and exposure, and not by nationality.
The challenge stands as a message resonating far beyond the scope of a mere language test, but a call for respect, recognition, and the dismantling of outdated stereotypes.
The open challenge has garnered praise from many netizens who see it as a stand against linguistic prejudice, especially against a nation that has produced some of the world’s most eloquent English speakers and celebrated writers.
Many support the challenge, seeing it as a necessary assertion in a world where linguistic bias still persists.
Others stand out to be critics, accusing the challenger of being unnecessarily combative for sparking widespread discussion on language, identity, and respect.
See comments below;
@_Kele_Chukwu: If Oyibo tell me I barely speak English, I take it as a complement.
@conastones: The stake here is not balanced in my opinion. When Nigeria wins, the IELTS examination should be completely scrapped for Nigerians. This should settle the long standing dispute on the matter. We hope that at the end , it won’t be a case of Man proposes, God disposes.
@MeritMystery: Spot on here… I speak Yoruba fluently as it’s my first language, but always come short during test/exam bc most of the time I think “oh this should be easy-peasy as it’s “my language” unlike English that I’d to take time to learn; read, write and listen carefully.
Hello @BasedNorthmathr,
I’m openly challenging you to an English Language Skills test. This would entail Writing, Listening, Speaking and Listening 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… https://t.co/yNZlV5BGPd
— Ifedayo (JIMCRUZ) (@ifedayo_johnson) May 13, 2025
