British Council in Nigeria – Locations, Costs, and More
The British Council has been operating in Nigeria since 1943 and has established itself as one of the leading international education organizations in the country. With offices in cities like Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, Ibadan, and Kano, the British Council Nigeria provides a wide range of services related to English language learning, education and culture.
Whether you are looking to take an English exam like IELTS, enroll in a language course or learn more about the British Council’s role in Nigeria, this guide will provide you with all the important information you need.
British Council Nigeria Locations and Offices
The British Council operates 5 offices in major cities across Nigeria. This allows them to deliver services to English language learners and those seeking UK education in all regions.
The main British Council Nigeria locations are:
Lagos
The Lagos office is located at:
Plot 1070, Tiamiyu Savage Street, Victoria Island, Lagos
This is the largest British Council office in Nigeria. It offers the full range of services including exams like IELTS and Aptis, English courses, libraries and information services.
Abuja
The Abuja office address is:
1 Reverend John Tudor Close, Off Aminu Kano Crescent, Wuse 2, Abuja
Abuja is the second biggest British Council office after Lagos. It also provides a comprehensive set of services.
Port Harcourt
The Port Harcourt center is situated at:
13 Aba Road, Port Harcourt
In addition to exams and courses, this office also runs the International Teacher Training program.
Ibadan
The British Council Ibadan is located at:
Floor 2, Cocoa Mall, Dugbe, Ibadan
It offers English language courses including teaching for young learners.
Kano
The Kano office address is:
2nd Floor, AA Rano House, No. 1 Rano Road, Off Bompai Road, Kano
Kano center provides exam services and a meeting point for UK education advisors.
The British Council aims to make its services accessible across Nigeria. The 5 offices allow them to effectively serve major cities and neighboring areas.
Exams Offered by British Council Nigeria
The British Council administers a wide range of exams in Nigeria. These assessments test English language proficiency, communication skills, and knowledge of specific subjects.
Some of the major exams offered at British Council test centers in Nigeria include:
IELTS – The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is the world’s most popular test of English for higher education and global migration. It assesses listening, reading, writing and speaking skills.
Aptis – Aptis is an innovative global English assessment tool from the British Council. It tests core English skills for business, study or everyday life.
OET – The Occupational English Test (OET) assesses the language proficiency of healthcare professionals who wish to register and practice in an English-speaking environment.
BULATS – The Business Language Testing Service (BULATS) evaluates English language skills for business and global workplace contexts.
Linguaskill – Linguaskill is an online test from Cambridge Assessment English and the British Council. It allows organizations to easily assess English levels.
APTIS for Teachers – This version evaluates the English skills of teachers of young learners in primary and secondary school settings.
The British Council Nigeria administers these exams frequently throughout the year. You can check available test dates on their website and book slots to take the exams at their centers across Nigeria.
For important exams like IELTS, the British Council also provides preparation resources like practice tests, seminars, and e-learning materials. This allows test takers to improve their skills and confidence before taking the actual test.
English Language Courses Offered by British Council
In addition to exams, the British Council also runs high quality English language courses for students of all ages and proficiency levels. The main courses offered in Nigeria are:
General English Courses
The British Council provides General English courses for adults which cover reading, writing, listening and speaking skills. Courses range from beginner to advanced level. They are available in flexible duration like 4, 8 or 12 weeks.
Business English Courses
These courses equip professionals and employees with business-related English skills. The curriculum covers business vocabulary, presentations, negotiations, correspondence and more.
English for Specific Purposes
Customized English training is offered for certain industries and professions like aviation, medicine, law, academics etc. The teaching is tailored to the specific needs.
Young Learner Courses
Fun courses in English, science, technology and maths are designed for children between 5-17 years. They aim to boost confidence and improve school performance.
Teacher Training Programmes
The British Council offers specialized training for teachers of English. These develop pedagogy skills and provide international teaching qualifications.
The British Council uses modern teaching methods like blended learning combining traditional and digital tools. The teachers are highly qualified native English speakers.
The English courses help students improve real world communication skills for business, travel, academics and professional development.
Other Services Offered by the British Council Nigeria
Aside from exams and English courses, the British Council also provides other programs and services in Nigeria:
Libraries – Most centers have libraries with books, magazines, e-resources and more to support learning.
Teaching Center – The Lagos center has a modern teaching facility with classrooms equipped with latest technology.
IELTS Registration Service – British Council offers guidance on IELTS registration and scheduling IELTS exam dates.
Study UK Events – Various events and seminars provide information about studying at UK universities.
UK Education Advisors – Advisors assist Nigerian students interested in higher education opportunities in the UK.
Professional Development – Seminars and workshops for teachers focus on new classroom practices and continuing professional development.
Arts and Culture – The British Council organizes events showcasing UK arts and culture like film screenings, theatre and art exhibitions.
Partnerships – Partnerships with public and private sector organizations facilitate English language programs and UK qualifications.
Partner Organizations and Institutions
The British Council works closely with several public and private institutions in Nigeria to deliver its programs and services:
Federal Ministry of Education – Partnership with the Federal Ministry of Education facilitates teacher training initiatives and curriculum development.
State Ministries of Education – British Council coordinates with state education ministries on English language projects and UK education promotions.
British High Commission – They work with the British High Commission in Nigeria to strengthen bilateral cultural relations.
British Alumni Association of Nigeria (BAAN) – BAAN brings together Nigerians who have studied in the UK to promote educational links.
University of Cambridge English for Speakers of Other Languages Examinations (Cambridge Assessment) – Partnership for conducting assessments like Aptis, Linguaskill and IELTS.
IDP Education Nigeria – Tie-up to provide Nigerian students guidance on studying in the UK and applying to UK universities.
EduCanada – Partnership to organize education fairs for Nigerians interested in studying in Canada.
Oxford University Press Nigeria – Collaboration on research projects related to English language learning and teaching practices.
British Council Nigeria Exam and Course Costs/Fees
The British Council offers a range of competitively priced exams and courses in Nigeria. Here is an overview of the typical fee structure:
IELTS
- IELTS exam fee is 100,000 Naira
Aptis
- Aptis exam fees start from 20,000 Naira
- Special packages are offered combining Aptis with English courses
English Language Courses
- General English course fees range from 80,000 to 100,000 Naira for a 12 week course
- Business English and specialized courses are around 200,000 to 250,000 Naira
- Young learner course fees start from 50,000 Naira per term
OET
- OET exam fee is around 95,000 Naira
Linguaskill
- Linguaskill exam fees are around 20,000 Naira
BULATS
- BULATS exam fees start at 15,000 Naira
There are also some additional charges for registration, materials, accommodation and transport in certain cases.
How to Register and Schedule for British Council Exams and Courses
The process for registering and booking exam slots or course schedules with the British Council Nigeria is straightforward:
Exams
- Check the exam calendar on the British Council website for available test dates.
- Create an account on the British Council website with your personal details and passport photo.
- Select your preferred exam date and book your test slot online or visit the exam center.
- Make payment online via credit/debit card, bank transfer or cash/card at the center.
- Receive your Statement of Entry confirmation email with test day instructions.
- Take the printed Statement of Entry on exam day along with a valid ID document.
English Courses
- Browse course levels, formats and schedules on the British Council website.
- Fill out the online application form and placement test.
- The admissions team will contact you to confirm course eligibility and available batches.
- Select your preferred batch and make payment through online transfer, card or cash.
- Receive confirmation of enrollment from the admissions team via email.
- Attend English language classes at the scheduled course timings.
Registration can be done online, by phone or visit to British Council centers in Nigeria. Early booking is advised as demand is high for popular exams and courses.
Conclusion
The British Council has a strong presence across Nigeria with offices in major cities like Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, Ibadan and Kano. They offer a comprehensive set of services for Nigerians looking to improve their English skills and pursue international education opportunities.
Key offerings include high-stakes exams like IELTS and Aptis, English language courses for all ages and proficiency levels, libraries, teaching centers, UK education guidance and events. Costs for exams and courses are quite reasonable.
The registration and scheduling processes are straightforward and can be done online or at their centers. The British Council aims to provide accessible and affordable services to develop English proficiency and global outlook among Nigerians seeking to study, work or migrate abroad.
With its extensive experience and expertise, the British Council plays an important role in strengthening English language learning and connecting Nigeria with knowledge and opportunities from the UK.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Where are the British Council offices located in Nigeria?
A: The British Council has centers in Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, Ibadan and Kano. Lagos and Abuja are the two main offices.
Q: What are the costs for taking IELTS with the British Council?
A: The exam fee for IELTS through British Council Nigeria is 100,000 Naira.
Q: Can I switch my IELTS test date after booking?
A: You can request a test date transfer up to 5 weeks before the exam, subject to availability. Fee applies.
Q: What is the minimum age to take the Aptis test?
A: There is no minimum age for taking the Aptis test. But 16+ is recommended by the British Council.
Q: How long do the General English courses last?
A: British Council General English courses are available in formats like 4 weeks, 8 weeks, 12 weeks etc. based on your learning needs.
Q: Does the British Council offer IELTS preparation courses?
A: Yes, the British Council provides official IELTS weekend seminars and e-learning prep courses to help maximize your test score.
Q: What English level is required to apply for a UK student visa?
A: UK student visa generally requires an IELTS score of 5.5 to 7 depending on the university and course.
Q: Can I take the Linguaskill test online or only at centers?
A: Linguaskill can be taken from home using the British Council’s online proctored test system.
Q: What are the timings for Young Learner English classes?
A: British Council young learner courses typically run on weekends or after school hours on weekdays.