Mrs. Peace Emmanuel-Ojo’s passion for Standard English was enkindled by an encounter while she was in secondary school. Now the Chief Executive Officer and Lead Tutor at IB Private Tutors, Ibadan, she has led her team to prominence by winning the British Council’s Best Partner Award for IELTS. In this interview by SAM NWAOKO, she discusses how her passion evolved into a thriving career and why learners must strive to achieve English language proficiency.
Yoruba Language is your Mother Tongue. Could you give us an insight into how you got into this field to becoming a Standard English language proficiency coach?
I don’t have a dramatic story. My love for the English Language began in Senior Secondary School 1 during my first English class. The teacher, a Ghanaian, spoke so fluently and eloquently that I could barely keep up initially. There’s a common notion that Ghanaians are masters of good tenses, and I believe it to be true. That single encounter with an African who spoke the language so well sparked my interest and love for English.
You didn’t just happen to get here overnight, tell us how you shed the sub-standard form of the language—who was your coach or where did you train?
I attended the prestigious Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye, in the Department of English Language, where I had the privilege of learning from lecturers who were experts in the field. They deepened my passion for the language. While I can’t point to a specific coach, I have taken several courses from native speakers, which have significantly contributed to my growth. Teaching in a secondary school also played a crucial role in sharpening my skills and pushing me toward excellence.
You run a language (English) proficiency training institute; what is the aim of establishing the academy?
The first aim of our academy is to help people communicate effectively and confidently. Clear communication boosts self-esteem, as mixing tenses in public can be very embarrassing. Our second aim is to provide solutions for individuals preparing for immigration purposes, where English proficiency tests are critical. Since English is not our native language, such exams are necessary to assess one’s command of it, and that’s where we come in.
Despite the fact that English language is the official model of communication in Nigeria and learners are exposed to it at an early stage, majority of them are still found to be deficient in it. Why do you think this is so?
Society influences even teachers because we live in it. As non-native speakers, there’s often a lack of appreciation for proper usage. This is further compounded by a shortage of well-trained English teachers. The media—radio and television—used to set a standard, but that’s no longer the case today. This is why some people advocate for the recognition of Nigerian English.
Don’t you think that the emphasis given to learning the English language is leaving more gaps at the expense of our Mother Tongue?
There’s an academic gap in the way English is taught today. English is more than an official language; it has become a status symbol. Parents who are exposed to native speakers want their children to sound like them, but the gaps in teaching make this difficult. Sadly, some children can’t even pronounce their native names correctly. While English should be taught properly, our native languages also deserve attention.
For many people, the belief is that English is English; why do we have to go back to re-learn and unlearn?
English is not a singular concept. It comes in various forms, such as Pidgin English. Because we were colonised by the British, their proficiency standards matter when you intend to migrate. Understanding these variants and their usage is crucial if you want to communicate effectively with native speakers.
Did you train abroad or at what point did you acquire the good (standard) English?
Most of my formal education took place in Nigeria, but I’ve also undergone extensive training from foreign professionals. Recently, my academy and I were honored with the British Council’s Best Partner Award for IELTS. This recognition speaks volumes about our work.
Is the training just about elocution or what more is there to learn at the English language institute?
Elocution is one thing, but communication encompasses grammar, vocabulary, word usage, listening and writing skills. While these may not seem important in everyday Nigerian contexts, they are essential for proficiency exams. This is the foundation of our academy’s approach.
What are the benefits of being grounded in the standard form of the language?
The ultimate goal is to help people communicate effectively and confidently. Personally, I speak both English and Yoruba fluently. I believe that mastering your mother tongue enhances your ability to excel in English. Have you ever heard Professor Wole Soyinka or Chimamanda Adichie speak their native languages? They do so flawlessly. This is what I emphasise.
How can I preserve my mother tongue while still ensuring that I am proficient at speaking English language as a second user?
Constant use of the language is key. Surround yourself with people who speak correctly. I also encourage parents to watch cartoons with their children as a way to enhance language skills. You become a professional by practicing consistently over time.
You will agree with me that interference/affectation leaves a cause for concern as people from diverse backgrounds and tongues aspire to speak the language. How can one overcome the snag and become proficient?
Mastering the English language requires commitment. With consistent learning, a fast learner can see significant improvement within a month, while slower learners may need about three months. Often, it’s not about starting from scratch; it’s about refining what you already know.
How long can it take a fast learner on the one hand, and a slow learner on the other hand, to be good at the (English) language?
Personalised teaching is at the core of what we do at IB Private Tutors. We handle hundreds of students locally and internationally, ensuring each one receives value through one-on-one sessions. This approach guarantees success.
What is the technique that your institute uses to achieve quick result in brushing your candidates up?
Proficiency exams like IELTS are critical for certain countries, while others may require GRE or SAT. Without these certifications, immigration becomes almost impossible.
What could be the disadvantage(s) of not taking this training despite living abroad or despite aspiring to work overseas?
When I meet students, my first question is always, ‘Why do you want to migrate?’ Understanding their reasons helps them stay motivated to put in the necessary effort.
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