In a trending online drama that has turned into a national moment of pride, Ifedayo Moradeyo Johnson, a proud alumnus of the Department of English, Tai Solarin University of Education (TASUED), has set Twitter ablaze after publicly challenging a British user to an English proficiency test.
The heated exchange began when a UK-based account, @BasedNorthmathr, threw shade at Nigerian immigrants, alleging that the British care sector is now “critically dependent on Nigerians who barely speak English.” In defence of Nigeria’s linguistic dignity, Ifedayo clapped back with a bold counter:
“Let’s take an IELTS-style test — reading, writing, speaking, and listening. If you score higher, I’ll leave this country in 24 hours. But if I win, you’ll never again question a Nigerian’s English.”
The British user, clearly rattled, accepted the challenge and promised to take the same online IELTS practice test, signaling that this international showdown could soon go live.
But Ifedayo Moradeyo didn’t stop there. In a follow-up tweet, he shifted the focus from language to economic contribution, offering a second challenge:
“I’ll challenge you once again on behalf of every Nigerian to show what you contribute into the country and economy in terms of taxes etc and what you take from it… If I take more than I give, I’ll leave. But if I give more than you and take less, you’ll keep mute and never drag Nigerians into your agenda again.”
He closed with a poignant line:
“If no be condition wey make crayfish bend, how many English una sabi?”
But the moment is bigger than just viral tweets. Ifedayo, a TASUED-trained scholar and recent MA Journalism graduate from the University of Derby, UK, has unwittingly brought to light a deeper issue — the UK government’s plan to enforce annual English tests for international graduates under the Graduate Route.
The proposal has sparked concern, especially among Nigerians, who argue that fluency isn’t measured by accent but by mastery — something Ifedayo is ready to prove.
Back home at TASUED, students and alumni are celebrating one of their own as he stands tall, not just for himself, but for an entire nation often misjudged by colonial biases.
“This isn’t just about me. It’s about every Nigerian who has been mocked for their accent or background. Let’s settle it the right way,” Ifedayo told TASUEDFINEST.
Now, all eyes are on the outcome of the test — and Ifedayo’s rising reputation as a voice of reason, wit, and national pride.
