By Peter Omopo
A social media storm erupted on X (formerly Twitter) this week after a British user’s comment about Nigerian immigrants triggered a heated debate — and eventually, a bold challenge to an English language proficiency contest.
The controversy began when UK doctor and commentator Rachel Clarke (@doctor_oxford) posted on Monday that 20% of the UK care workforce hold non-British passports, highlighting their essential contribution to the sector. “Starmer would have us believe these carers are the ‘squalid’ result of a ‘failed experiment’. I say they do vital, necessary, humane, skilled work and they are worth their weight in gold,” she wrote.
In response, another user, @BasedNorthmathr (Angantýr), ignited outrage by tweeting: “Why did we make our care sector critically dependent on Nigerians who barely speak English and each bring with them 3 dependents.”
The remark was swiftly condemned by many Nigerian users, who defended their proficiency in English — a legacy of British colonialism — and their contributions to the UK’s healthcare system and economy.
One of the most prominent replies came from Nigerian commentator Ifedayo Johnson (@ifedayo_johnson), who publicly challenged Angantýr to a comprehensive English language proficiency test, covering writing, reading, speaking, and listening.
“I’m openly challenging you to an English Language Skills test… If your overall score is higher than mine, I’ll quietly pack my bags and leave this country within 24 hours,” Johnson declared. “But if I score higher than you, you’ll keep your mouth shut and never again question or disrespect the English Language skills of any Nigerian.”
Angantýr accepted the challenge, saying he would “happily do an IELTS” and compare scores, but declined a second phase of the contest proposed by Johnson — one focused on comparing the pair’s respective contributions to the UK economy.
“If I take from this country more than I contribute, I’ll pack my bags and leave within 24 hours,” Johnson added. “But if my contribution is higher than yours… you’ll keep mute and never drag Nigerians into your agenda again!”
The challenge has since gained traction online, with other users joining the fray. Another Nigerian user, @agodliveshere, raised the stakes by offering a £3,000 prize for a test that would include 50 multiple-choice questions and two 1,000-word essays. Angantýr also agreed to participate in that contest.
“We need an examiner, questions, a method, and a location. You’re the one making the claim, so you need to help plan this,” @agodliveshere wrote.
The incident has since sparked broader discussion about racism, immigration, and colonial legacies in the UK, with many defending the reputation of Nigerians, who consistently rank among the most proficient English speakers globally and dominate in academic and professional performance abroad.
“If no be condition wey make crayfish bend, how many English una sabi?” Johnson added in a later post, mocking the stereotype and reinforcing Nigeria’s global linguistic competence.
The proposed English face-off has not yet been scheduled, but many X users are watching closely, seeing it as both a symbolic and literal test of respect, inclusion, and post-colonial pride.
