English Language Proficiency Tests for Nigerian Abroad Graduates Other Unnecessary, Exploitative -Igbalajobi

Dr. Olumuyiwa Igbalajobi, who hails from Efon Alaaye, Ekiti State, graduated in microbiology from
the University of Ado-Ekiti and has completed Masters and PhD studies in South Korea and Germany respectively. In this interview with IFEDAYO OGUNYEMI, he talks about English proficiency tests required for graduates from English speaking countries and other issues. extracts;

How would you describe the challenges you faced during your journey in academia?

Well, it was mixed feelings. Starting to have to write SSCE 10 times before I could get my O-Level result was really exhausting and almost daunting for me. Also during my undergraduate studies at Ado-Ekiti University, I had a transfer in a 4 unit course which urged me to work harder until I graduated. And when I think of that moment in South Korea when I had to write my final exam in Korean, it reassures me that nothing is impossible.

You have crossed about four continents to study, research and teach. What else have you discovered about these ecosystems?

Well, the different systems have their own values, cultures and ways of dealing with people. Take for example, in terms of respect for the elderly, South Korea and Nigeria are closer than Germany. All the countries I visited, except Nigeria, invest a significant portion of their budgets in education and technology. It is also important to mention that the style of teaching in Canada is more inclusive and participatory.

What do you notice about these different areas of education?

The fact that resources I need in the lab or at work are readily available at my fingertips for free, in contrast to what is available in most developing countries. Take Nigeria for example, in addition to the scarcity of resources and tools, you also have to fund your research yourself.

You were at the forefront of getting some foreign universities to “abolish” IELTS/TOEFL requirements for other equivalent English proficiency tests. What inspired that movement for you?

It all started on Twitter in May 2022 when one of my followers alerted me to an outdated list on the University of Alberta website. I was dissatisfied as I expected more but unfortunately only a few universities in Nigeria were recognized on the page, and not only that, some of the names have changed over time, but it was not updated on UAlberta’s page. As an advocate for inclusive and equitable education, I took it upon myself to send an email to the graduate school office. Surprisingly, the error was acknowledged and the page was subsequently updated to exempt applicants from Nigeria from the test. That win sparked a movement that resulted in emails being sent to about 100 universities around the world, who had applied for IELTS and TOEFL from English-speaking African countries before my email.

How would you describe the traction/success it generated today?

As someone from Nigeria, an English speaking country, who studied in South Korea and Germany and is currently working at the University of British Columbia, Canada without the English test barrier, I see the request for the English test from applicants from English-speaking countries unnecessary and exploitative. Penn State, University of Oregon, Texas Austin and Clemson University just to name a few that recently changed this policy, which is a win for the community. That’s why I don’t see the campaign/victory as something about Olumuyiwa, but as a collective mission for everyone. I am impressed that my followers are engaging universities to make a change that is more inclusive and supportive.

Many people look up to you, especially in the fields of science and medical research. How would you advise young Nigerians finding their way in academia, career and other areas of life?

They should enjoy the phase, be extra careful in the steps they take, and be intentional and determined. Graduate school and academia can be demanding and frustrating. However, once you embrace other things that make you happy, tomorrow would definitely be another day. It is also important to network and identify a support system. In short, they should be passionate and happy with the choices they make.

You recently founded Scholarships Cafe. Which of the many challenges our society faces does it want to address?

Scholarships Cafe was founded on the premise that over $2 million in scholarships go unclaimed each year due to information gaps and a lack of qualified applicants. With current users from 186 countries around the world, our mission is to continuously improve access to resources, grants and funding opportunities, targeting marginalized and underrepresented groups. Since its inception, Scholarships Cafe has contributed to the success stories of over 100,000 applicants and over $500,000 in scholarships and academic jobs. Our vision is to become the largest scholarship platform connecting institutions with talented candidates.

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