Secondary Schools Debate, Nigeria.

09/09/2026

COMMON WORDS NIGERIANS USE EVERYDAY, BUT WHICH DON'T EXIST

1. Go-slow: When Nigerians say go-slow, they mean congested traffic. The meaning of go-slow in the English dictionary is, a form of industrial action in which work or progress is deliberately delayed or slowed down.
Stop saying go-slow please.

2. Disvirgin: This word is used on a daily basis by many Nigerians when they intend to say a woman has lost her virginity. There is no word like disvirgin. The correct word to use is deflower. Disvirgin simply does not exist.

3. Trafficate: Nigerians use the word to describe a situation where a driver indicates to other drivers that he/she wants to take a turn. It is used so often, that it has started to sound like proper English. The right word is 'highlight'.

4. Flashing: Every Nigerian knows “flashing” to mean when someone calls your mobile phone and cuts off before you answer. The word ‘flash’ is so common among Nigerians and its used at least once daily by many. Flash has different meanings but none has anything to do with a phone call. The word doesn’t exist in that sense in English. The right word is 'beep'.

5. Installmentally: Don’t be tempted to use the word ‘installmentally’. Though it sounds correct, it isn’t. There is no such word in the English dictionary as it exists only in the Nigerian edition of English language. The correct thing to say is ‘in installments’.

6. Opportuned: What exists in English dictionaries is ‘opportune,’ without ‘d’ at the end. Opportune means ‘timely’ or ‘well-time, especially convenient or appropriate for a particular action or event. Opportuned is only common in Nigerian English.

7. C***y: This is a word which Nigerians use to describe someone that is being deceitful or crafty. The right word is cunning not c***y.

8. Next tomorrow: Most Nigerians generally use “next tomorrow” but there is not such word as next tomorrow. Instead you should say, “a day after tomorrow."

9. Packer: Nigerians probably got the word from pack. The right word is dustpan. Since dustpan packs dirt, Nigerians like to call it packer.

10. Pepperish: It is common to hear Nigerians describe a meal that has too much pepper in it as pepperish. The proper word should be ‘peppery’. No native English speaker uses the word pepperish” to describe the burning sensation we feel from eating pepper.

❌Don't be fooled, there's nothing called Nigerian English. You either speak American English or British English. And since we were colonized by Britain, our official language is British English.

So keep in mind that no one would pardon your bad grammar in a professional or educational setting because you are ignorant.

Learning continues...😅😅

25/01/2026

When a man discuses another, does he make himself less of that man?

23/01/2026

07/01/2026

Hurrah!!!
We have made it to another year,
Happy new year

23/11/2025

How to State Your Name Properly in Formal Situations and Interviews

Many people make simple mistakes when introducing themselves, especially in formal settings such as job interviews
Let’s correct some of the most common errors.

1. 'My name is…' Use Singular Verb Only:
Your name is a singular noun, even if you have several names (first, middle, last).
Therefore, use IS, not ARE.
My names are Itunuayo Funke Olasunmibo. ❌
My name is Itunuayo Funke Olasunmibo. ✅
When talking about your name, always keep the verb singular.
2. Correct Order of Names:
When writing or introducing your name, never start with your surname unless there is a clear reason or a punctuation mark to guide the reader.
The globally recognised order is:
1. First Name (Given Name)
2. Middle Name (Optional)
3. Surname (Family Name)
Examples
My name is John Smith. (Full name) ✅
My name is John. (First name only) ✅
My full name is John Michael Smith. ✅
(First, middle, surname)

My name is Smith John. ❌
My name is John Smith. ✅

3. When Putting the Surname First:
If you must write your surname before your first name, use a comma so readers understand the order.
Smith John ❌
Smith, John ✅
Another acceptable professional style is to write the surname in capital letters:
SMITH John ✅
This immediately shows that SMITH is the surname.
4. Introducing Yourself With Titles:
When using titles (Mr., Mrs., Prof., Dr., Rev., etc.), mention your first name first, then your surname.
I am Dr. Smith John. ❌
I am Dr. John Smith. ✅


If you choose to use only your surname after a title, do not add your first name:
Hello, I am Mr. Smith John. ❌
Hello, I am Mr. Smith. ✅


5. Avoid Adding Unnecessary Words:
Many people add fillers that make introductions sound weak or informal.
My names are as follows… ❌
I bear the name… ❌
I go by the name of… ❌

These sound awkward or outdated.
My name is… ✅
Simple, direct, professional.
6. Don’t Shorten Your Name Without Permission:
If your official name is long or has multiple parts, introduce your full name first, then your preferred short form (if necessary).
Example:
My name is Itunuayo Funke Olasunmibo.
You may call me Itunuayo.
This prevents confusion and keeps things professional.
7. Maintain Consistency in Professional Documents: Your name on your CV, certificates, LinkedIn profile, email signature, and ID should match.
CV: John M. Smith ❌
LinkedIn: Smith John ❌
Email: J. Mike ❌
Consistency builds professionalism and credibility.
8. void Combining Titles Incorrectly:
Some people mix titles in grammatically incorrect ways.
Barrister Lawyer John Smith ❌
Dr. Mr. John Smith ❌

Use one correct title:
Barr. John Smith ✅
Dr. John Smith ✅
Mr. John Smith ✅
9. Avoid Informal Openings in Interviews. Many people begin with:
Good morning, sirs/mas. ❌
Please, my name is… ❌
I am here for the interview. ❌
Use professional openings instead:
Good morning. My name is John Smith. ✅
It’s a pleasure to meet you. ✅
Thank you for having me. ✅
10. Don’t Use Pet Names or Nicknames in Formal Settings: Your home name or street nickname should not appear in official introductions.
My name is Jayboy. ❌
My name is Small Doctor. ❌ (Unless you are the actual musician)
Always use your legal or professional name.
My name is John Michael Smith. ✅
Why This Matters: Small errors, such as incorrect name order, can create confusion or appear unprofessional. Some people even miss job opportunities because of these avoidable mistakes.


I hope this clears things up! Share your thoughts with me.

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Itunuayo Lawal Olasunmibo
Your preferred Diction & Grammar Coach

03/10/2025

Celebrating my 1st year on Facebook. Thank you for your continuing support. I could never have made it without you. 🙏🤗🎉

02/03/2025

From My Anthology

Harvests Of Virgins
Skin so bright as the summer stars Nostrils narrow and high
Posed in impeccable harmlessness
As thou the earth manager
Yet posses little of whom your existence holds

Chambers of skul upon which spongy flexible greys lie
Fashioning obnoxious orders
In expedition for territories
Echoing fear and terror

Drifting In voyage vis appearing in virgin forests in a navigation boat Profess cleanliness and righteousness in trpple Rs
Yet a camouflage and disguise to steal my virginity!

What is it - the real substance? Thy coarse instruments of ruthlessness and brutality subdue your targets who would not but surrender their unpolluted territories in utter tremble!

What are you-
lords of imperialism!

[email protected]
Eze, Solomon Chukwudi.

28/02/2025

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