By Sabiu Abdullahi
The British Council in Nigeria has thrown test-takers for a loop, announcing a 29% increase in the fees for the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) exam, effective February 1, 2024.
This marks the second price hike in just five months. In September 2023, the fee jumped from N80,000–N90,000 to N107,500.
Now, applicants will have to shell out a whopping N139,000 for the Computer Academic and General Training Modules.
The Council attributes the latest increase to “increased costs of the delivery of our exams,” claiming it will enable them to “continue to offer a wide range of services and comprehensive support.”
However, this explanation has met with widespread skepticism and frustration among potential test-takers in Nigeria.
Many Nigerians rely on the IELTS exam for studying abroad, immigration purposes, and professional opportunities.
This repeated hike makes the test increasingly inaccessible to a large portion of the population, especially considering the current economic climate.
The news has sparked heated debates online and offline, with concerns that the price surge could create unnecessary barriers and hinder educational and professional mobility for Nigerians.
Some are calling for “greater transparency from the British Council” regarding the specific cost factors driving the increases, while others are urging the body to “consider alternative solutions” to ensure affordability without compromising quality.
With no word on potential future increases, the rising IELTS fee adds yet another layer of anxiety for Nigerians aiming to pursue international opportunities.
It remains to be seen whether the British Council will address the concerns of its Nigerian clientele or face continued backlash for its pricing decisions.