The Unnecessary Hurdle: Why English Proficiency Tests for African Students Must End
Nearly $300. That’s the average cost of an English proficiency test – a sum equivalent to a month’s income for a family in Liberia. This isn’t about assessing language skills; it’s about erecting a financial barrier to opportunity for bright, capable students from across the African continent, a practice rooted in outdated perceptions and perpetuating systemic inequality.
The Colonial Legacy and the Persistence of Bias
The recent exchange between President Trump and Liberian President Boakai, where the former expressed surprise at Boakai’s “beautiful English,” highlighted a deeply ingrained, and frankly, absurd assumption. For millions of Africans, English isn’t a second language learned for convenience – it’s the language of education, governance, and daily life in nations shaped by decades of colonial history. Twenty-four African nations now have English as an official language, a direct consequence of British colonial influence. From kindergarten through university, instruction is often entirely in English, and as Abraham Freeman points out, students were historically penalized for using their mother tongues in classrooms.
Yet, universities in the Global North continue to demand proof of proficiency through tests like IELTS and TOEFL. This requirement isn’t about ensuring academic readiness; it’s a lucrative business model for testing organizations, one that disproportionately impacts students from African nations. The insistence on retesting every two years – a practice that implies a rapid decline in language skills – is particularly egregious.
The Economic Burden and the Cycle of Inequality
The financial strain these tests impose is crippling. Beyond the test fee itself (ranging from $200 to $350), students often face significant travel costs. As Freeman recounts, a single test attempt necessitated a 5,316-kilometer journey from Monrovia to Nairobi, adding expenses for flights, accommodation, food, and local transport. For many, this cost is simply insurmountable, effectively denying them access to higher education opportunities abroad.
This isn’t merely a personal hardship; it’s a significant economic loss for the continent. Denying access to education limits the potential of a generation, hindering innovation, economic growth, and development. The UNESCO International Institute for Educational Planning highlights the critical link between education investment and sustainable development in Africa, emphasizing that barriers to access exacerbate existing inequalities.
Addressing the Root Causes: Investment in African Education
While challenging the validity of these tests is crucial, it’s equally important to address the underlying issue: the need for increased investment in education across Africa. As Freeman notes, Liberia, like many African nations, falls short of the 15-20% public expenditure on education recommended by the 2015 Incheon Declaration. Strengthening educational infrastructure, improving teacher training, and providing access to quality resources are essential steps towards ensuring that African students are well-prepared for academic success, regardless of where they choose to study.
Beyond Accents: Recognizing Linguistic Diversity
The argument that English spoken in Africa is somehow “diluted” is not only inaccurate but deeply problematic. Accents are a natural part of language evolution, reflecting cultural and regional identity. To equate an accent with a lack of proficiency is a form of linguistic prejudice. English is a global language, and its diverse forms should be celebrated, not scrutinized. Just as American, British, and Australian English are all valid variations, so too are the unique expressions of English found across the African continent.
The focus should shift from policing accents to evaluating a student’s ability to communicate effectively – their grammar, vocabulary, comprehension, and critical thinking skills. These are the true indicators of academic potential.
The time for change is now. Universities in the Global North must recognize the inherent unfairness of these tests and adopt more equitable admissions policies. African governments must prioritize investment in education, ensuring that all students have the opportunity to reach their full potential. Only then can we dismantle this unnecessary hurdle and unlock the immense talent and potential of the next generation of African leaders.
What steps can universities take to create a more inclusive admissions process for African students? Share your ideas in the comments below!
