Why Nigerians Are Learning New Languages

So why this sudden interest in learning new languages?

Education: Many scholarships in Europe require proof of language skills.
Work (a.k.a. the Japa dream): Migrating abroad sometimes means passing language tests like IELTS, TOEFL, and PTE.
Business: French is key in West Africa, especially for entrepreneurs.
Culture: More young Nigerians are reconnecting with their Yoruba, Hausa, and Igbo heritage.

Put simply, languages are becoming tools for success, both at home and abroad.

Best Ways to Learn a Language in Nigeria

1. Go Digital with Apps

Who says learning has to be boring? Apps like Duolingo, Babbel, Memrise, and Drops make lessons short, fun, and flexible. The best part? They are free.

If you want to focus on local languages, YouTube is littered with tutorials in Yoruba, Hausa, and Igbo. Imagine practising Yoruba phrases while being stuck in traffic or during lunch breaks.

2. Take Classes (If You Can)

If structure is your thing, formal classes work wonders. In Lagos and Abuja, you’ll find:

Alliance Française: This is a top choice for French learners in Lagos.
Goethe-Institut: They offer online courses for German studies.
Universities: Many offer electives in local and foreign languages.

These schools provide you with structure, certificates, and the confidence that comes with hands-on classroom practice.

3. Practice with People

Languages aren’t meant to stay in your head. You have to speak to them. That’s the best and most effective way to learn a language. Look out for cultural events, language exchange meetups, or even free online platforms like Tandem and HelloTalk.

4. Use Entertainment as a Teacher

What if your Netflix sessions doubled as language lessons? Spanish telenovelas, French dramas, K-dramas, or even Nollywood films with Yoruba subtitles can boost your vocabulary.

Add a few Francophone Afrobeats artists to your playlist, and suddenly you’re learning through music.

5. Change the Language Settings on Your Phone

One of the most effective ways to learn a new language quickly is by switching the language on your devices to the one you’re learning.

It’d take some time to adjust, but over time, your brain adjusts to the sight of these words and registers them.

6. Travel

Travelling to a country where the language you’re learning is spoken is a surefire way to learn and adapt. It demonstrates your willingness not only to learn but also to understand the local culture and the nuances of the language.

Pro Tip on How to Stay Consistent

Make it a daily habit. They say that consistency beats talent. In this case, it is true.

Start small:

20 minutes daily.
Switch your phone to the target language.
Write one sentence in a notebook every morning.
Greet a friend in Yoruba, French, or Spanish.
Do this daily, and in six months, you’ll surprise yourself.

Whether you want to learn French in Lagos, pick up German in Abuja, or reconnect with Yoruba or Igbo, the formula is the same: use apps, attend classes, practise with people, enjoy media, and stay consistent.

Every new word you learn is a step toward better opportunities, a stronger cultural identity, and a more global outlook. The best time to start is now, and the best approach is to start small but stay consistent.