VTJN:
I only know of two schools that painstakingly exempt Nigerians from taking English test

University of Stavanger and university of Toronso

You can share any other schools you know doesn't required English test

Valley2Glory:
My US visa was rejected on Friday in Lagos embassy.
Transcript:
Vo: What are u going to study in US?
Me: I'm going to New Mexico State University to embark on a doctorate degree program in Hydrology and Water Resources Science. I will be joining an ongoing research in the college of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental science in collaboration with New Mexico Water Research Institute. The research is about understanding and modelling of food-water-energy nexus to foster its resiliency due to draught events, climate change and socioeconomic shocks. In order to achieve, we will be making use of remote sensing data and tools integrated with gridded near data obtained from surface models to improve regional water resources management for agricultural water use, water balance application, land use and land change cover.
VO: How many years is the program
Me: 4 years
VO: What will the degree do for u?
Me: The doctorate program is a specialized one. It is an interdisciplinary program designed by water experts in NMSU to raise world professional experts in tackling challenges of water resources management. So as such the program will equip me with high level skills while I return to Nigeria after its completion. I will be contributing to the deplorable state of Nigeria's water resources management which Mr President has already declared a state of emergency. Not long ago I made my intention to join Ogun-Oshun River Basin known but my application met a brick wall. I was told the ministry of water resources is revamping itself by absorbing only those with quality training in advanced countries like United States. So I will like join the agency upon the completion of my program.
My second option is to pick up an offer with my University where I did my Masters, Bleep university in Nigeria. Presently, there are limited research in water resources and environmental engineering option because of the few faculties there. With this program, I will definitely have an egde to join the research workforce.
However, my present employer has told me his willingness to absorb me as soon as I return to Nigeria after the program and of course with commensurate working conditions.
VO: So who funds the study?
Me: The school offered me a financial assistantship to the tune of about 70% which also waives out-of-state tuition for me. I'm left with about 5k dollars deficit...(cuts in)
VO: Who takes care of the remaining cost?
Me: Myself and my uncle. I have our statements here( trying to bring them out but he said no need)
VO: Where do u work?
Me: I work in bleep company. I'm a water engineer and I do bleep and bleep there.
VO: Have travelled out of Nigeria before?
Me: No (he kept looking at me because I went mute after the NO so I started speaking again). I never had any reason to travel out of the country, that's why)
VO: Not even Ghana
Me: No
VO: Sorry, you have not met the requirements for this visa at this time.

I zoomed off immediately.

That was my second attempt. I was in Abuja in June for Fall admission but there was no assistantship then. The assistantship came after I deferred to Spring 2020

My uncle's name on previous I-20 was to take care of all the cost. The new I-20 still bears his name for the 5k deficit. However, there was no place in the ds160 where I could indicate his name
I indicated US employer for the only available space for "who pays for the trip"

I intend reapplying but dates are fast disappearing.
Is switching to Abuja a red flag?
Is going to Ghana to change my travel history b4 reapplying a red flag?
If going to Ghana b4 reapplying is a red flag, what should be my response if asked for what has changed in my profile?
[b]
[b]I also need further advice from experienced hands.