Beyond Passing Exams

By Itunu Taiwo | BuildWithWords Academy

Let me tell you about Chioma.

Chioma (name changed) was one of my first students in BuildWithWords Academy when I initially started offline. She was 22 and had graduated from nursing school with good grades. However, she was struggling to get accepted into a good school for her masters program. On paper, she had everything—good grades, a reputable degree, and ambition. But every time she tried to send an application, she got rejected.

The problem? Her application sucked.

Universities saw this and assumed she couldn’t communicate clearly.

After a week of working together on clear, professional English writing, Chioma rewrote her statement of purpose and was confident enough to resume her application.

What changed? Her English literacy.

This story isn’t unique. Across Nigeria, thousands of young adults with brilliant ideas, strong academic records, and real potential are held back. Not by lack of intelligence, but by weak English communication skills.

And here’s the hard truth: in Nigeria, English literacy isn’t just about passing JAMB or WAEC. It’s about accessing opportunities, expressing yourself confidently, and navigating a world where clear communication is currency.

Let me explain why English literacy matters—and why we need to take it more seriously.

1. English Is the Language of Opportunity in (and outside) Nigeria

Whether we like it or not, English is Nigeria’s official language. It’s the language of:

• Education (lectures, textbooks, exams)
• Business (emails, presentations, reports)
• Government (laws, policies, official documents)
• Media (news, publications, online content)

If you can’t read, write, or speak English clearly, you’re locked out of spaces where decisions are made, opportunities are announced, and careers are built.

This isn’t about abandoning our indigenous languages—Yoruba, Igbo, Hausa, and the hundreds of other Nigerian languages are beautiful and important. But the reality is that English is the bridge between tribes, regions, and opportunities in Nigeria.

Bottom line: Strong English literacy opens doors that weak English keeps closed.

2. The Job Market Demands It

I’ve spoken with hiring managers across Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt, and they all say the same thing:

“We reject 70% of applicants because they can’t write a professional email.”

Not because they’re unqualified. Not because they lack experience. But because they can’t communicate their qualifications clearly.

In today’s job market, employers expect you to:

• Write clear, error-free emails
• Create professional reports
• Communicate confidently in meetings
• Understand and respond to instructions accurately

If your English is weak, you’ll struggle, even if you’re the best candidate for the job.

Example:

Two candidates apply for the same marketing role:

Candidate A writes: “I am interest in the marketing work. I have do marketing before in my last company and I know how to use social media for promoting product.”

Candidate B writes: “I am excited to apply for the marketing position. In my previous role at XYZ Company, I managed social media campaigns that increased engagement by 40%.”

Who gets the interview? Candidate B. And we all know that it’s not because they’re smarter, but because they communicate more clearly.

3. English Literacy Builds Confidence

Here’s something people don’t talk about enough: weak English literacy destroys confidence.

When you can’t express yourself clearly, you start doubting yourself. You avoid speaking up in class. You hesitate to apply for opportunities. You second-guess every email you send.

Over time, this kills your ambition.

But when your English improves—when you can write clearly, speak confidently, and express your ideas without stumbling—everything changes. You stop hiding. You start contributing. You take risks.

I’ve seen this transformation in dozens of students:

• The shy girl who never raised her hand in class but now leads group presentations
• The young man who was terrified of job interviews but now negotiates his salary confidently
• The aspiring writer who thought her English wasn’t “good enough” but just published her first book

English literacy isn’t just about skills—it’s about self-belief.

4. Grammar is important. But Critical Thinking is much more

Strong English literacy isn’t just about knowing grammar rules. It’s about being able to:

• Understand complex information (contracts, policies, instructions)
• Analyze arguments (Is this news article reliable? Is this business offer legitimate?)
• Express nuanced ideas (Explaining your point of view clearly in writing or speech)
• Engage in public discourse (Participating meaningfully in conversations about politics, culture, and society)

When your English literacy is weak, you’re more vulnerable to misinformation, exploitation, and manipulation. You can’t fully understand what’s being said to you, so you can’t make fully informed decisions.

In other words, English literacy is a form of power.

5. The Education System Is Failing Us

Let’s be honest: Nigeria’s education system doesn’t prioritize English literacy the way it should.

Most schools focus on:

• Memorizing grammar rules for exams
• Reading outdated textbooks
• Passing WAEC and JAMB

But they don’t teach:

• How to write a professional email
• How to structure a clear argument
• How to communicate confidently in real-world situations
• How to read critically and think independently

This is why so many Nigerian graduates have degrees but can’t write a decent cover letter. The system taught them about English, but not how to use English effectively.

That’s the gap BuildWithWords Academy aims to fill.

What Can We Do About It?

For Students:

1. Take your English seriously—not just for exams, but for life
2. Read widely—novels, articles, essays (not just textbooks)
3. Write daily—even if it’s just journaling or social media posts
4. Practice speaking—join debate clubs, discussion groups, or online communities
5. Get feedback—ask teachers, friends, or mentors to review your writing

For Parents and Educators:

1. Encourage reading for pleasure, not just for exams
2. Model good English—children learn by example
3. Provide access to books, articles, and digital content
4. Focus on communication, not just grammar
5. Celebrate effort and improvement, not just perfection

For Policymakers:

1. Invest in teacher training for English educators
2. Update curricula to focus on practical communication skills
3. Provide free or affordable literacy resources for undeserved communities
4. Support community-based English programs like BuildWithWords Academy

Final Thoughts: English Is a Tool, Not a Test

Too many Nigerian students see English as an obstacle, something they have to “get through” to pass exams.

But English is more than just passing a test. It’s a tool. A tool for expressing yourself. A tool for accessing opportunities. A tool for building the life you want.

And like any tool, you get better at using it with practice, patience, and the right guidance.

So whether you’re a student preparing for JAMB, a graduate looking for work, or someone who just wants to communicate more confidently—invest in your English literacy. It’s one of the most valuable investments you’ll ever make.

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About the Author: Itunu Taiwo is a bestselling Nigerian author, certified TEFL instructor, and founder of BuildWithWords Academy. She’s on a mission to help young Nigerians communicate clearly, confidently, and effectively in English.