Nigeria has solidified its position as one of Africa’s leading English-speaking nations, ranking fifth on the continent in the 2025 Education First (EF) English Proficiency Index.
The annual global assessment, released on Monday, evaluated English skills across 123 countries and regions using data from approximately 2.2 million test takers. This year’s edition marked a methodological expansion, incorporating for the first time an evaluation of speaking and writing skills through an AI-powered assessment tool developed by EF’s education technology division.
As Nigeria’s official language, English remains the dominant medium of instruction, governance, media, and commerce. This institutional entrenchment is credited with helping the country maintain a strong and consistent level of proficiency, facilitating its role in international communication, education, and business.
African Rankings and Regional Leaders
On the continental stage, Nigeria follows the top four African leaders in English proficiency:
1. South Africa – Where English sees widespread use in government, education, media, and business.
2. Zimbabwe – Where English serves as the primary language of instruction and public administration.
3. Kenya – Where English is an official language alongside Swahili and is prevalent in urban and professional environments.
4. Zambia – English is the official and main medium of instruction.
5. Nigeria – Official language, central to national communication and commerce.
6. Ghana – English is used from basic to tertiary education and in public administration.
7. Uganda – Official language; key role in trade, diplomacy, and professional environments.
8. Ethiopia – Widely used in education and international affairs, though not official.
9. Tunisia – Growing adoption among youth and professionals in education, tech, and tourism.
10. Morocco – Increasing popularity in schools and business for global trade and relations.
The index shows the strategic advantage of English proficiency in an increasingly interconnected global economy, highlighting its role as a critical bridge for academic, diplomatic, and commercial engagement.
For Nigeria, its high placement reaffirms the linguistic asset of its large, globally active population and professional workforce.
