The IELTS is an international standardized test of English language proficiency for non-native English language speakers, and assesses/grades listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills. 

I have taken the test, and I can confirm that it was thorough, and took place under very strictly monitored conditions, and following all relevant guidelines, as set by the British council/IELTS.

In countries such as Nigeria, where English is taught as a first language, it has been shown/proven time and time again that on average our command of the language can be deemed to be at par, or in a good number of cases, superior to a lot of native speakers of the language. The recent debacle on Twitter with Paul Graham, his thoughts on a basic word 'DELVE', and the subsequent backlash that generated is one example.

It is therefore grossly illogical that such a well administered test, which serves to validate the authenticity of a test-taker's level of skill in the four aforementioned areas of the English language would have a two-year validity, particularly for high scorers who fall between 'Band 8' and 'Band 9'.

If i'm able to score a Band 8-9 on such a standardized test, then surely it stands to reason that I possibly couldn't have lost the dexterity that I demonstrated which earned me those scores in the first place after a puny two years. If i'm able to score high on such a thorough, well administered test and yet still be required to prove my mettle in 2 years, that is a damning indictment on the quality and purpose of the test, except of course the purpose is just to extort, as that would be the only way it makes any sense.

Therefore, I would like the British Council, the administrators of the IELTS to allow test results scored between Band 8 and 9, have lifetime validity, and retroactively grant all IELTS test takers within the last 2 years who scored between a 'Band 8' and 'Band 9', a lifetime validity on their test results, as that would be the logical and sensible thing to do.

I enjoin you all to join this petition and help bring about this positive change.

Thank you.