In-Depth Guide On The TOEFL Exam / TOEFL Test In Nigeria
TL;DR – Everything You Need to Know About TOEFL in Nigeria
The TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) is the most widely accepted English proficiency test for international students, with over 11,500 universities worldwide accepting TOEFL scores.
For Nigerian students planning to study abroad, the TOEFL test serves as your gateway to top universities in the United States, Canada, Australia, and beyond.
Registration costs generally ranges from ₦170,000 to ₦210,000, which is around $182–$200 at current exchange rates, and as of 2025, TOEFL is available in multiple locations, including but not limited to Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, Ibadan, Jos, Asaba, Enugu, and Owerri, and scores range from 0-120 points across four sections: Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing.
Most universities require scores between 80-100 for undergraduate programs and 90-110 for graduate programs, with results valid for two years from your test date.
Please note: While this guide provides comprehensive preparation strategies, it does not guarantee specific test scores or university admissions. Success on the TOEFL iBT depends on individual effort, preparation, and many other factors.
Introduction To TOEFL Exam
After two decades of guiding Nigerian students through their study abroad journeys, I’ve witnessed firsthand how the TOEFL exam serves as both a challenge and an incredible opportunity.
Taking this test helps you prove to the world’s top universities that you can thrive in an English-speaking academic environment.
The TOEFL test isn’t merely about demonstrating English proficiency but about opening doors to life-changing educational opportunities.
So, if you’re dreaming of studying computer science at MIT, pursuing medicine at the University of Toronto, or earning your MBA from a prestigious Australian university, your TOEFL score will be one of the most critical components of your application.
Again, looking at the competition in education in Nigeria, where millions of bright minds compete for limited opportunities, the TOEFL exam represents your chance to expand your horizons beyond geographical boundaries.
This comprehensive guide on StudyWithFM Nigeria will walk you through every aspect of the TOEFL test, from understanding the exam format to mastering test-day strategies that have helped thousands of Nigerian students achieve their target scores.
What Is The TOEFL Test All About?

The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) stands as the gold standard for English proficiency assessment worldwide.
Developed by Educational Testing Service (ETS), this computer-based exam measures your ability to use and understand English at the university level, combining reading, listening, speaking, and writing skills in an academic context.
For Nigerian students, the TOEFL is your academic passport to international education.
Unlike other English proficiency tests, TOEFL specifically focuses on academic English, meaning the content mirrors what you’ll encounter in North American universities.
This academic focus makes TOEFL particularly valuable for students planning to pursue higher education abroad.
The current TOEFL iBT (Internet-based Test) format, which is the standard version offered in Nigeria, takes approximately 2 hours (116–120 minutes), to complete reflecting a reduction introduced since 2023.
The test integrates all four language skills, often requiring you to combine multiple skills in single tasks.
For example, you might read a passage and listen to a lecture on the same topic, then write a response that incorporates information from both sources.
Understanding the test’s academic nature is crucial for Nigerian students who may have learned English in different contexts.
Disclaimer: The information on this blog regarding TOEFL fees, test structures, and university requirements is accurate as of July 2025. Please note that details, especially pricing and test center availability, are subject to change by ETS and individual universities. We recommend checking the official ETS website and specific university admission pages for the most current information.
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TOEFL Test Structure and Format: Breaking Down Each Section
Reading Section: Mastering Academic Texts
The TOEFL Reading section now includes 2 academic passages, each approximately 700 words long, chosen from university-level textbooks across various disciplines such as natural sciences, social sciences, arts, and humanities.
You will have 35 minutes to answer 20 questions that assess your ability to understand main ideas, details, inferences, vocabulary in context, and organization of the text.
Each passage in the Reading section resembles the type of academic content you’ll encounter in university courses.
Topics might include the formation of the solar system, the development of early American settlements, or theories in cognitive psychology.
These passages both test your reading comprehension and prepare you for the academic reading load you’ll face as an international student.
The question types in the Reading section include multiple-choice questions about main ideas and details, vocabulary questions that test your understanding of words in context, and inference questions that require you to understand implied meanings.
For Nigerian students, the Reading section often presents unique challenges related to academic vocabulary and complex sentence structures common in American academic writing.
The passages frequently contain sophisticated terminology and concepts that may be unfamiliar, requiring strong contextual understanding and analytical thinking skills.
Listening Section: Academic Conversations and Lectures
The TOEFL Listening section evaluates your ability to understand spoken English in academic settings through 3-4 lectures and 2-3 conversations.
You’ll spend 41-57 minutes listening to recordings that mirror real university experiences, from professor lectures to student-advisor consultations.
The lectures in the Listening section cover diverse academic subjects and typically last 3-5 minutes each.
You might hear a biology professor explaining photosynthesis, a literature professor discussing narrative techniques, or a history professor analyzing historical events.
These lectures include natural academic speech patterns, including false starts, repetitions, and informal language that professors commonly use in classroom settings.
Conversations in the TOEFL Listening section simulate typical campus interactions between students and university staff members.
You might hear a student discussing course registration with an advisor, asking a librarian about research resources, or talking with a professor about assignment requirements.
These conversations test your ability to understand both explicit information and implied meanings in spoken English.
The Listening section questions appear after each recording, requiring you to rely entirely on your memory and notes since you can’t replay the audio.
Question types include main idea questions, detail questions, function questions that ask why a speaker said something, attitude questions about the speaker’s opinion, and organization questions about how information is presented.
Speaking Section: Expressing Ideas Clearly and Coherently
The TOEFL Speaking section consists of 4 tasks completed in 17 minutes, designed to evaluate your ability to communicate effectively in English in academic situations.
This section combines independent speaking tasks, where you express personal opinions, with integrated tasks that require you to synthesize information from reading and listening sources.
The first Speaking task asks you to express your opinion on a familiar topic, such as describing a place you’d like to visit or explaining which type of transportation you prefer.
You have 15 seconds to prepare your response and 45 seconds to speak.
This task tests your ability to organize thoughts quickly and express ideas clearly using appropriate vocabulary and grammar.
The remaining three Speaking tasks are integrated tasks that combine multiple skills.
You might read a short passage about a university policy, listen to a conversation about that policy, then summarize the student’s opinion and reasons.
Another task type involves listening to an academic lecture and explaining the main concepts and examples presented by the professor.
For Nigerian students, the Speaking section often presents challenges related to pronunciation, fluency, and organizing thoughts under time pressure.
Writing Section: Academic Essay Skills
The TOEFL Writing section includes two tasks completed in 50 minutes total, evaluating your ability to write in English for academic purposes.
These tasks mirror the type of writing assignments you’ll encounter in university courses, from research papers to analytical essays.
The first Writing task is an integrated task that requires you to read an academic passage, listen to a related lecture, then write a response that summarizes and compares the information from both sources.
You have 20 minutes to write a 150-225 word response that demonstrates your ability to synthesize information from multiple sources while maintaining accuracy and clarity.
The second Writing task is an independent essay where you respond to a question by expressing and supporting your opinion with specific reasons and examples.
You have 30 minutes to write a well-developed essay of at least 300 words.
Topics might ask you to agree or disagree with a statement, compare options, or explain the importance of a particular quality or skill.
The Writing section evaluates several key areas including development of ideas, organization and coherence, appropriate language use, and grammatical accuracy.
Your essays are scored by both trained human raters and automated scoring systems, ensuring consistent and reliable evaluation across all test takers.
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TOEFL Scoring System: Understanding Your Results
The TOEFL iBT uses a scaled scoring system with each section scored from 0-30 points, creating a total score range of 0-120. Understanding this scoring system is crucial for setting realistic goals and interpreting your results in the context of university admission requirements.
Each section score reflects your performance level within that specific skill area.
Reading and Listening sections are scored based on the number of correct answers, with no penalty for incorrect responses.
Speaking and Writing sections use rubrics that evaluate multiple aspects of your performance, including content, delivery, language use, and task completion.
The total TOEFL score represents your overall English proficiency level, but universities typically look at both your total score and individual section scores.
Some programs may require minimum scores in specific sections, particularly Speaking and Writing for teaching assistantship positions or programs with heavy communication requirements.
Score interpretation varies by institution and program level, but general benchmarks can guide your preparation:
Undergraduate Programs:
- Most competitive universities: 100-120 total score
- Moderately competitive universities: 80-99 total score
- Less competitive universities: 61-79 total score
Graduate Programs:
- Top-tier programs: 100-120 total score
- Mid-tier programs: 85-99 total score
- Entry-level programs: 79-84 total score
Your TOEFL scores remain valid for two years from your test date, giving you flexibility in your application timeline.
If you’re not satisfied with your initial scores, you can retake the test, with no limits on the number of attempts, though there must be at least 3 days between test dates.
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TOEFL iBT vs. IELTS Academic: Essential Differences for Nigerian Students
| Feature | TOEFL iBT | IELTS Academic |
|---|---|---|
| Recognition | Widely accepted in the US, Canada, and globally | Preferred in the UK, Australia, NZ, and global |
| Test Format | Fully computer-based (online) | Computer-based and paper-based options |
| Speaking Section | Recorded responses; no human examiner | Face-to-face interview with examiner |
| Accent Exposure | Primarily North American English | Mix of British, Australian, US, other accents |
| Writing Tasks | Integrated (summarize text+audio) & essay | One report (graph/chart) + one essay |
| Time/Duration | About 2 hours | About 2 hours, 45 minutes |
| Score Scale | 0-120 (30/section) | Band 0–9 (0.5 increments) |
| Score Validity | 2 years | 2 years |
| Digital Adaptivity | Yes (adaptive questions in some sections) | No (fixed questions) |
TOEFL Test Centers and Registration in Nigeria
Nigeria currently hosts TOEFL test centers in three major cities, providing accessible testing options for students across the country.
These authorized testing centers maintain strict security standards and provide the necessary technology infrastructure for the computer-based TOEFL iBT.
Lagos TOEFL Test Centers
Lagos, as Nigeria’s commercial hub, offers multiple TOEFL testing opportunities throughout the year.
The primary test center locations in Lagos include facilities in Victoria Island and Ikeja areas, equipped with modern computer labs and audio equipment necessary for the TOEFL iBT format.
The Lagos test centers typically offer TOEFL exam dates multiple times per month, with increased frequency during peak application seasons (September through January).
Abuja TOEFL Test Centers
Nigeria’s capital city hosts TOEFL test centers that serve students from the northern regions of the country.
Abuja’s central location makes it accessible for students from various northern states, reducing travel distances and accommodation costs.
The Abuja test centers maintain the same high standards as other international TOEFL facilities, with climate-controlled testing environments and reliable internet connectivity essential for the computer-based test format.
Port Harcourt TOEFL Test Centers
Port Harcourt serves as the primary TOEFL testing location for students in Nigeria’s oil-rich southeastern region.
The test center accommodates students from Rivers State and neighboring areas, providing regional access to TOEFL testing without requiring travel to Lagos or Abuja.
Registration Process and Requirements
TOEFL registration in Nigeria follows the same online process used worldwide, though local considerations can affect your registration strategy:
- Create Your ETS Account: Visit the official ETS TOEFL website and create a personal account using accurate information that matches your identification documents.
- Select Test Date and Location: Choose from available dates at Nigerian test centers, keeping in mind that popular dates fill quickly, especially during peak application seasons.
- Complete Personal Information: Ensure all personal details exactly match your passport or identification documents, as discrepancies can prevent you from taking the test.
- Payment Processing: Pay the test fee using international credit cards, bank transfers, or other accepted payment methods.
- Confirmation and Preparation: Receive confirmation of your registration and begin accessing official preparation materials provided by ETS.
The registration process typically requires completion 3-4 days before your desired test date, though registering several weeks in advance ensures your preferred date and location availability.
During peak seasons, test centers may fill up quickly, particularly in Lagos where demand is highest.
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Essential TOEFL Preparation Strategies for Nigerian Students
Effective TOEFL preparation requires a systematic approach that addresses both English language skills and test-specific strategies.
Based on my experience working with thousands of Nigerian students, successful TOEFL preparation typically requires 3-6 months of dedicated study, depending on your current English proficiency level.
Your preparation journey should begin with an honest assessment of your current English skills across all four areas tested on the TOEFL.
Many Nigerian students excel in reading and listening due to their educational background but may need additional focus on speaking and writing, particularly academic writing skills required for the TOEFL format.
The foundation of successful TOEFL preparation lies in improving your overall English proficiency while simultaneously developing test-specific skills.
This dual approach ensures you’re not just learning to pass the test but actually building the language skills you’ll need for academic success abroad.
Academic English differs significantly from conversational English, requiring familiarity with formal vocabulary, complex sentence structures, and specialized terminology across various academic disciplines.
Nigerian students should focus on expanding their academic vocabulary through reading university-level texts and practicing with official TOEFL materials.
TOEFL Preparation Timeline and Study Plan
3-6 Months Before Test Date: Foundation Building
Essential Preparation Activities:
- Complete diagnostic practice test to identify strengths and weaknesses
- Begin daily English immersion through academic podcasts, lectures, and reading
- Start vocabulary building program focusing on academic word lists
- Establish regular practice schedule with specific daily and weekly goals
- Gather official TOEFL preparation materials and practice tests
Weekly Study Breakdown:
- Reading practice: 6-8 hours per week
- Listening practice: 6-8 hours per week
- Speaking practice: 4-6 hours per week
- Writing practice: 4-6 hours per week
- Vocabulary building: 3-4 hours per week
6-8 Weeks Before Test Date: Intensive Practice Phase
Critical Preparation Focus Areas:
- Complete full-length practice tests under timed conditions
- Analyze practice test results to identify persistent weaknesses
- Intensify speaking practice with native speakers or conversation partners
- Master integrated task strategies for Speaking and Writing sections
- Develop note-taking systems for Listening and integrated tasks
Advanced Practice Techniques:
- Simulate test day conditions during practice sessions
- Record speaking responses to analyze pronunciation and fluency
- Practice paraphrasing and summarizing skills for integrated tasks
- Build familiarity with common TOEFL topics and question types
- Develop time management strategies for each section
Final 2 Weeks: Test Readiness and Confidence Building
Pre-Test Preparation Essentials:
- Complete final practice tests to maintain performance consistency
- Review test day procedures and center regulations
- Organize required identification documents and test confirmation
- Plan test day logistics including transportation and timing
- Focus on confidence-building exercises and stress management techniques
The key to successful TOEFL preparation lies in consistent daily practice rather than intensive cramming sessions.
Nigerian students who dedicate 2-3 hours daily to structured TOEFL preparation typically see significant score improvements within 3-4 months.
What to Expect and How to Perform Your Best On The TOEFL Exam Day

Test day preparation begins the night before your TOEFL exam with proper rest, nutrition, and mental preparation.
Many Nigerian students underestimate the importance of test day logistics and psychological readiness, which can significantly impact performance regardless of preparation quality.
Arrive at your test center at least 30 minutes before your scheduled appointment time.
Nigerian test centers strictly enforce punctuality requirements, and late arrivals may result in test cancellation without refund.
Bring your valid passport as your primary identification document, ensuring it hasn’t expired and matches the name used during registration.
The TOEFL test center environment is designed to minimize distractions while maintaining security standards.
You’ll be assigned a computer station in a monitored room with other test takers who may be taking different sections simultaneously.
This means you’ll hear other students speaking during their Speaking sections while you’re completing other portions of the exam.
During the test, you’ll have access to scratch paper for note-taking, which is particularly important for the Listening section and integrated Speaking and Writing tasks.
Develop an efficient note-taking system during your preparation that allows you to capture key information quickly without interfering with your listening comprehension.
The test includes a 10-minute break after the Listening section, providing an opportunity to rest, eat a snack, and mentally prepare for the Speaking and Writing sections.
Use this break strategically to maintain energy and focus for the remaining portions of the exam.
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Common TOEFL Challenges for Nigerian Students
Nigerian students face specific challenges when taking the TOEFL exam, many of which stem from differences between Nigerian English usage and the American English emphasized on the test.
So, understanding these challenges allows for targeted preparation that addresses potential weak areas.
Pronunciation and Speaking Clarity: Nigerian English accents, while perfectly valid forms of English, may differ from the American pronunciation patterns that TOEFL raters expect.
The Speaking section evaluates pronunciation as one component of overall speaking proficiency, though heavily accented speech that doesn’t impede understanding typically doesn’t result in lower scores.
Academic Writing Conventions: The TOEFL Writing tasks require familiarity with American academic writing conventions, including specific organizational patterns, transition usage, and formal register that may differ from writing styles emphasized in Nigerian educational systems.
Listening to North American Accents: The TOEFL Listening section exclusively features North American English accents (American and Canadian), which may initially sound unfamiliar to students accustomed to British English pronunciation common in Nigerian education.
Time Management Under Pressure: The TOEFL’s strict time limits require efficient task completion strategies that many Nigerian students must develop through intensive practice.
Academic tasks in Nigerian universities often allow more flexible timing, making TOEFL’s rigid structure initially challenging.
Integrated Task Performance: TOEFL’s integrated Speaking and Writing tasks require simultaneous processing of multiple information sources, a skill that requires specific practice beyond general English proficiency development.
TOEFL vs Other English Proficiency Tests
Understanding how TOEFL compares to other English proficiency tests helps Nigerian students make informed decisions about which exam best serves their study abroad goals.
TOEFL vs IELTS: IELTS (International English Language Testing System) offers both Academic and General Training versions, with the Academic version serving similar purposes to TOEFL for university admissions.
TOEFL focuses exclusively on academic English and is predominantly computer-based, while IELTS Academic includes both computer-based and paper-based options with a face-to-face Speaking component.
University Acceptance Patterns: American universities overwhelmingly prefer TOEFL scores, with many institutions specifically requiring TOEFL rather than accepting IELTS as an alternative.
Canadian universities typically accept both tests equally, while Australian and UK institutions increasingly accept TOEFL alongside their traditional preference for IELTS.
Test Format Differences: TOEFL’s computer-based format appeals to students comfortable with technology, while IELTS offers more traditional paper-based options.
TOEFL integrates multiple skills within single tasks, while IELTS tests each skill area separately, which some students find less challenging.
Scoring and Validity: Both tests provide scores valid for two years, but TOEFL’s 0-120 scale differs from IELTS’s 0-9 band system.
Universities typically provide equivalent score requirements for both tests, though some programs specify minimum section scores that may favor one test over another.
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Financial Planning: TOEFL Costs and Budgeting
The total cost of taking the TOEFL in Nigeria includes more than just the registration fee, so Nigerian students planning to study abroad should budget carefully for all possible expenses.
Core TOEFL Expenses:
- Test registration fee: Approximately ₦170,000 to ₦210,000 (around $180–$200 USD, depending on exchange rates and test center fees)
- Score reporting to additional institutions:Â $20 USD per additional school beyond the four free score reports included with registration
- Test date rescheduling:Â $69 USD if requested more than 3 days before the test (subject to ETS policy)
- Score review services:Â $80 USD for reviews of Speaking or Writing sections if you believe your scores do not reflect your performance
Preparation Costs:
- Official TOEFL preparation materials: $50–$150 USD for comprehensive study packages offered by ETS and third parties
- Private tutoring or preparation courses: ₦65,000 to ₦200,000 depending on the duration and intensity of the program
- Practice test books and materials: ₦15,000 to ₦40,000 for quality practice resources locally or online
- Internet and technology costs:Â Variable, depending on personal access to stable internet and devices for online preparation
Travel and Accommodation Expenses:
Students coming from cities without TOEFL test centers or traveling within Nigeria should consider:
- Transportation to test centers: ₦5,000 to ₦25,000 depending on distance and mode of travel
- Accommodation for overnight stays: ₦10,000 to ₦30,000 per night if required due to distant test centers or early test times
- Meals and incidental expenses: ₦5,000 to ₦10,000 during travel days
Retesting Considerations:
If your initial TOEFL score does not meet your target, you may need to budget for a retake, which incurs the full registration fee again plus any additional prep or travel costs.
This reflects the up-to-date fees and costs as of mid-2025 in Nigeria, based on recent ETS pricing and local exam center reports.
University Requirements and Score Targets
Understanding university-specific TOEFL requirements helps Nigerian students set realistic score targets and develop appropriate preparation timelines.
Top-Tier Universities (Harvard, MIT, Stanford): These institutions typically require TOEFL scores of 100-120, with many programs expecting scores of 110 or higher.
Individual section minimums often include Speaking scores of 26-28 and Writing scores of 25-27, reflecting the communication demands of these competitive programs.
Mid-Tier State Universities: Public universities and regional institutions often require TOEFL scores of 80-95, making them more accessible options for students with strong academic records but moderate English proficiency levels.
These institutions may offer conditional admission with English language support programs.
Graduate Program Variations: Master’s and doctoral programs typically have higher TOEFL requirements than undergraduate programs, particularly in fields requiring extensive communication such as business, education, and humanities.
Engineering and science programs may accept slightly lower scores while emphasizing other application components.
Teaching Assistant Positions: Graduate students seeking teaching assistantships often face additional TOEFL requirements, particularly minimum Speaking section scores of 26-28, reflecting the communication demands of classroom instruction responsibilities.
Professional Programs: Medical, law, and business schools often maintain the highest TOEFL requirements, with many programs requiring total scores of 100-110 and specific section minimums that ensure students can handle intensive communication demands.
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Technology and Digital Resources for TOEFL Preparation
Modern TOEFL preparation leverages digital technology to provide flexible, personalized learning experiences that accommodate Nigerian students’ diverse schedules and learning preferences.
Mobile Applications: TOEFL preparation apps allow Nigerian students to practice vocabulary, complete mini-lessons, and review concepts during commutes or breaks from other activities. Popular apps include official ETS offerings and third-party applications that focus on specific skill areas.
Online Course Platforms: Comprehensive TOEFL preparation courses through platforms like Coursera, Udemy, and specialized test preparation companies provide structured learning paths with video lessons, practice exercises, and progress tracking capabilities.
Digital Flashcard Systems: Spaced repetition software helps Nigerian students build academic vocabulary efficiently, with systems like Anki and Quizlet offering pre-made TOEFL vocabulary decks and customizable study options.
YouTube and Video Resources: Free video content from TOEFL preparation experts provides strategy instruction, sample responses, and detailed explanations of question types, making high-quality preparation accessible regardless of budget constraints.
Career and Educational Benefits of TOEFL Success
TOEFL success opens doors beyond university admission, providing long-term career and educational advantages that justify the investment in thorough preparation.
International Career Opportunities: Strong TOEFL scores demonstrate English proficiency to international employers, particularly in multinational corporations that value cross-cultural communication skills. Many global companies recognize TOEFL scores as evidence of professional communication capabilities.
Graduate School Advantages: High TOEFL scores can strengthen graduate school applications beyond meeting minimum requirements, potentially leading to scholarship opportunities and competitive program placement.
Some programs use TOEFL scores in fellowship and assistantship selection processes.
Professional Certification Programs: Many international professional certifications and training programs require English proficiency demonstration, with TOEFL scores often fulfilling these requirements for Nigerian professionals seeking global career advancement.
Immigration and Visa Benefits: Some countries’ immigration systems recognize TOEFL scores for permanent residency applications, providing additional value beyond educational purposes for students considering long-term international relocation.
Academic Confidence Building: The process of achieving target TOEFL scores builds academic confidence and study skills that benefit students throughout their international education journey, from coursework completion to research and presentation activities.
Currency Exchange Rate Notice: All Naira (₦) equivalents are based on the exchange rate at the time of publication and are subject to significant fluctuations. The official TOEFL fee is set in USD ($).
Conclusion: Your Journey to International Education Success
The TOEFL exam is your gateway to transformative educational experiences that will shape your career and life trajectory.
After two decades of guiding Nigerian students through this process, I’ve witnessed countless success stories of dedicated individuals who transformed their TOEFL preparation journey into international education triumph.
Your TOEFL score will open doors to world-class universities, prestigious scholarship opportunities, and career possibilities that extend far beyond what might seem possible from your current vantage point.
The English proficiency skills you develop during TOEFL preparation will serve you throughout your academic and professional journey, providing communication capabilities essential for success in our increasingly globalized world.
Remember that TOEFL success requires consistent effort rather than sporadic intensive study sessions.
Nigerian students who commit to daily practice, leverage available resources effectively, and maintain persistence through challenges consistently achieve their target scores and realize their study abroad dreams.
Your journey toward international education begins with a single step which is committing to TOEFL preparation and taking action toward your goals.
Take the first step today by registering for your TOEFL exam and beginning your preparation journey.
Your future self will thank you for the commitment you make now to achieving TOEFL success and unlocking the door to international education excellence.
TOEFL Exam FAQs
1. How much does TOEFL cost in Nigeria?
The TOEFL iBT registration fee in Nigeria is typically ₦170,000 to ₦210,000 (about $180–$200 USD), depending on the test center and current exchange rates. Always confirm the latest fee on the official ETS website as prices can change quickly.
2. Is TOEFL easier than IELTS?
TOEFL and IELTS are both widely accepted, but many Nigerian students find IELTS easier, especially for the reading and speaking sections, due to its face-to-face speaking test. TOEFL is fully computer-based and preferred by those comfortable with digital formats, while IELTS offers paper-based and computer options.
3. Is 70 a good score in TOEFL?
A score of 70 in TOEFL is below the average global score (usually around 85–90) but may be acceptable for some universities in Europe or less competitive programs. Most U.S. and Canadian universities require at least 80; top schools often want 90–100 or more.
4. How much does the TOEFL cost?
The TOEFL iBT test fee ranges from $180 to $200 USD in Nigeria, which usually converts to ₦170,000–₦210,000 depending on the current exchange rate and any additional local processing fees.
5. How long do TOEFL results take?
TOEFL results are typically available 4 to 8 business days after your test date. You can view your scores online and will receive an email once they are ready.
6. Where can I write TOEFL exams in Nigeria?
You can write the TOEFL exam in major Nigerian cities such as Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, Ibadan, Owerri, Asaba, Enugu, and Abeokuta, among others. Test dates are available throughout the year at authorized centers in these locations.
7. What are the requirements for TOEFL exam?
There are no strict eligibility requirements to take the TOEFL. All you need is a valid international passport as ID on test day. The test is open to anyone planning to study abroad or needing to prove English proficiency.
8. How many times is TOEFL written in a year in Nigeria?
TOEFL iBT is offered multiple times every month in Nigeria. You can find available test dates year-round and even register for several upcoming sessions in advance.
9. Can I write the TOEFL exam online?
Yes, you can take the TOEFL iBT Home Edition online in Nigeria if you meet the technical and environmental requirements set by ETS. This allows you to write the exam from the comfort of your home using your own computer.
10. Does a TOEFL expire?
Yes, TOEFL scores are valid for 2 years from your test date. After this period, they expire and cannot be used for admission or visa applications.
11. Is TOEFL online or offline?
The TOEFL iBT is primarily computer-based and conducted online at authorized test centers or via the Home Edition. A paper-based version (pBT) is rarely offered and only in locations without reliable internet access.
12. What is the syllabus of the TOEFL exam?
The TOEFL exam tests four academic English skills:
- Reading:Â Academic passages with questions
- Listening:Â Lectures and conversations
- Speaking:Â Recorded responses to tasks
- Writing:Â Essays based on given prompts
The syllabus focuses on skills needed for university study, such as understanding lectures, reading texts, writing essays, and participating in discussions.
All answers are current for 2025 and tailored for Nigerian students.