Booking IELTS tests are extremely competitive as there are only four tests available every month. For this reason, most students book their IELTS test in advance to avoid missing out.
However, booking can only be done at the test centers. For Nigerians seeking an opportunity to study abroad, you have to book your test on time as most IELTS test centers are fully booked a month in advance. To make it easy for you, we have compiled a list of the available test centers in the country. Ensure to contact the one nearest to you.
What Is IELTS?
IELTS is an acronym for International English Language Testing System. It is the world’s most popular English language proficiency test for higher education and global migration.
The International English Language Testing System or IELTS is collectively managed by the British Council, IDP: IELTS Australia, and Cambridge Assessment English. Its primary purpose is to measure the English language competency of individuals who wish to work or study in countries where English is used as a major means of communication.
Basically, IELTS is conducted for individuals seeking education and job opportunities in English-speaking countries so that their ability to overcome the linguistic gap and undertake communication efficiently in a foreign country can be assessed.
IELTS is the only English Language Test accepted by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) for visa applicants who apply for universities both outside and within the UK. IELTS scores are accepted in most of the universities in the UK and Australia, most of the universities in Canada, and around 3,400 institutions in the US along with thousands of institutions in other English-speaking countries.
Why IELTS?
IELTS has become one of the most popular English language assessment tests taken by study abroad aspirants. A recent report shows that a total of 3.5 million tests were taken in the year 2018 alone.
Over 10,000 organizations globally trust IELTS, so when you take the test you can be confident that it is recognized by educational institutions, employers, governments, and professional bodies around the world.
Although IELTS is not compulsory for admission into many universities abroad, you must have at the back of your mind that not having taken IELTS may reduce or even ruin your chances of getting a student VISA as the officials would not have proof of your competency in English.
Hence, it is important for a student aspiring for admission to the university of his/her choice to check the minimum IELTS score under their admission requirements and aim to secure an IELTS score equal to or higher than the minimum score.
Which IELTS test is right for me?
There are two types of IELTS tests: IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training. The test you choose should be based on what it is you want to do.
IELTS Academic
The IELTS Academic test is for individuals applying for higher education or professional registration in an English-speaking environment. It reflects some of the features of academic language and assesses whether you are ready to begin studying or training.
IELTS General Training
The IELTS General Training test is for those who are going to English-speaking countries for secondary education, work experience, or training programs. It is also a requirement for migration to Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the UK. The test focuses on basic survival skills in broad social and workplace contexts.
Is IELTS on Paper or Computer
IELTS can be taken on Paper or Computer
Paper-based IELTS
This test requires you as a candidate to sit at a desk with the question papers and answer sheets for the Reading, Listening, and Writing tests in an official IELTS test center. You will write their answers in either pen or HB pencils. The Speaking test is carried out face-to-face with a trained IELTS examiner.
Computer-delivered IELTS
This test requires you as a candidate to sit the Reading, Listening, and Writing tests in front of a computer with the questions presented on the screen in an official IELTS test center. You then submit your answers through the use of a keyboard and a mouse. The Speaking test is not on the computer and is carried out face-to-face with a trained IELTS examiner.
How Is IELTS Score Calculated?
IELTS results are designed to be simple and easy to understand. They are reported as band scores on a scale from 1 (the lowest) to 9 (the highest). IELTS scores are categorized into two different types; Overall Band Scores and Sectional Band Scores. Sectional band scores are obtained by a test-taker per section, while the Overall Band Score is the average of all the sectional band scores.
Test-takers are marked from 0 to 9 for both overall and sectional scores. Overall band scores are always rounded off to the next half or whole band. For instance, an average of 6.25 will be rounded off to 6.5. For band scores, half results such as 6.5 are possible.
A bit confused right? Let’s break it down further, within each test, you will gain a ‘raw score’ which is obtained by converting the number of answers you got right into band scores. The overall score or the “composite” score is the average of your individual IELTS scores and is meant to represent your overall English ability.
For example, if you get band scores such as 3.5 in the listening test, 4.5 in reading, 6 in writing, and 6.5 in speaking, to get the average, add all these scores and divide it by 4 which will give you 5.125. Upon rounding off, 5.0 becomes your overall IELTS band score.
| Band score | Skill level |
|---|---|
| 9 | Expert |
| 8 | Very good |
| 7 | Good |
| 6 | Competent |
| 5 | Modest |
| 4 | Limited |
| 3 | Extremely limited |
| 2 | Intermittent |
| 1 | Non |
| 0 | Did not attempt the test |
Where Are IELTS Exam Centers In Nigeria?
There are 41 centers offering IELTS tests (paper-based or computer-delivered) in Nigeria as seen in the table below. please choose an appropriate test center that is closer to you or is most suitable for your test depending upon the location or availability of tests.
| Location | Centre Name |
|---|---|
| Kano | MOD Education IELTS Center Kano |
| Calabar | British Council – Dannic hotels |
| Ibadan | British Council – West-Midland CBT Limited |
| Lagos | MOD Education IELTS Center – Golden Tulip Festac |
| Lagos | MOD Education IELTS Center – Ikorodu |
| Lagos | MOD Education IELTS Center – Lagos |
| Ota | MOD Education IELTS Center –Covenant University |
| Benin City | British Council test location – Benin |
| Abeokuta | British Council – Park Inn Hotel by Radisson |
| Ilorin | Trillium Learning Centre-Ilorin |
| Festac | MOD Education IELTS Center – Festac |
| Ibadan | MOD Education IELTS Center – Ibadan |
| Ilorin | British Council test location – Ilorin |
| Enugu | MOD Education IELTS Center – Enugu |
| Alimosho | MOD Education IELTS Center -Alimosho |
| Ibadan | British Council – Mauve 21 Event Place |
| Port Harcourt | British Council – KingOliza Halls |
| Lagos | MOD Education IELTS Center – Ogudu G.R.A |
| Abuja | MOD Education IELTS Center – Abuja |
| Port Harcourt | MOD Education Port Harcourt |
| Benin City | MOD Education IELTS Center – Benin |
| Ife | MOD Education IELTS Center – ILE-IFE |
| Abeokuta | MOD Education IELTS Center -Abeokuta |
| Lekki | MOD Education IELTS Center Lekki |
| Lagos | MOD Education IELTS Center – Surulere |
| Enugu | British Council test location – Enugu |
| Kano | British Council test location – Kano |
| Abia | MOD Education IELTS Center – Abia |
| Ikeja | British Council – Sheba Event Centre |
| Lagos | British Council – Genesis College |
| Lagos | MOD Education University of Lagos HRDC |
| Lagos | British Council Lagos |
| Lagos | British Council – Workforce Group |
| Warri | British Council – Bon Hotel Delta |
| Benin City | British Council – Rising Solutions Agency Limited |
| Ikeja | British Council – Classique Event Place |
| Lagos | British Council – Colonades hotel |
| Akure | British Council – Sunview hotel |
| Abuja | British Council Abuja |
| Akure | MOD Education IELTS Center – Akure |
How Can I Hit A good Score In IELTS?
Now that you are aware of the various examination centers in your country, let’s talk about how you can hit the required score for the institution of your choice. The following tips will help you well for each IELTS section.
Arrive at the test center on time
Arriving at the IELTS test venue on time will help you settle in before the examiners arrive. Ensure you get to your venue the latest one hour before the test commence.
Past Questions and Answers
One of the most effective ways to prepare for IELTS is to attempt past questions and answers. This will give you an insight into what to prepare. If you study carefully, you will know which questions occur frequently so that you build upon the general pattern and contents of the test themselves. Moreover, these practice books will prove highly beneficial if you choose self-study over external coaching.
Practice IELTS Mock Tests
Another great way to prepare for the IELTS is by taking the mock tests and practicing sample questions on the IELTS website. It is strongly advised to take practice tests and attempt sample papers from time to time since it not only helps you to check their progress but also helps you to gain a firm grip over the pattern of the test and as result confidence too.
Do Not Procrastinate
Actually, there is not much time given to applicants to prepare for IELTS, therefore, you have to acquire the relevant materials weeks before the exams if you want to perform excellently.
Conclusion
IELTS is a crucial examination for Nigerians willing to study abroad, especially in the US, UK, Canadian, and Australian universities. Before you make up your mind about taking the test, it is important you know the available test centers in your country. We have provided in this article the various IELTS centers for Nigerians wishing to study abroad. Contact the center at your location.
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