Nigeria places fifth in Africa in the EF English Proficiency Index 2025, reflecting strong national use of English in education, governance, and business

Nigeria has been ranked the fifth-best English-speaking country in Africa in the 2025 Education First English Proficiency Index, according to data published on the EF website and cited by PUNCH Online on Monday.

Also read: Aviation Experts Warn of Looming Crisis in Nigeria’s Aviation Sector

The index, compiled by global education organisation Education First, assessed English language skills across 123 countries and regions, drawing from test results of 2.2 million participants worldwide.

For the first time, the 2025 report evaluated speaking and writing skills, alongside reading and listening, using artificial intelligence technology developed by EF’s education technology division.

English, Nigeria’s official language, plays a central role in education, governance, media, and commerce, factors that continue to support the country’s strong performance.

Within Africa, Nigeria ranked behind South Africa, Zimbabwe, Kenya, and Zambia, all of which recorded higher proficiency levels in the assessment.

The EF index described South Africa as having widespread English use across government, education, media, and business, while Zimbabwe was noted for its consistent use of English as the primary language of instruction and administration.

Kenya’s ranking was attributed to English usage alongside Swahili, particularly in professional and urban settings, while Zambia’s performance reflected its adoption of English as the main medium of instruction nationwide.

Nigeria’s placement ahead of countries such as Ghana, Uganda, Ethiopia, Tunisia, and Morocco underscores its continued relevance in global communication and trade.

The report highlighted the growing importance of English proficiency as a bridge for international education, economic participation, and cross-border collaboration across the continent.

EF noted that countries with strong institutional support for English education tend to record more resilient outcomes in global competitiveness indicators.

Also read: Aviation Experts Warn of Looming Crisis in Nigeria’s Aviation Sector

The Nigeria English proficiency ranking is expected to influence policy discussions around education quality, workforce readiness, and international engagement.