Problem of English Language Teaching

Language is seen as mans most important gift. It is the basics of all creative thought. Without language, there will be no progress, no civilization and no culture. English is important in Nigeria because it is the language that builds a bridge across the barriers created by the existence of many languages. Irrespective of its significance in our educational system, the English language, to all intents and purposes, appears indispensable in all aspects of our national development. Politically, it is the language of government and administration; sociolinguistically, it is the language of official business and vital links have been the heterogeneous ethnic groups that make up this conglomerate of nation-states called Nigeria; and legally, it is the language of the court and of course Western justice. What is more? The English language in Nigeria has remained the impregnable official language. It is a prestigious and elitist code, a veritable cachet which every citizen yearns to acquire. Whether this acquisition will be successful or otherwise is to a large extent dependent upon the effectiveness and efficiency of its teaching. As a result of this enviable status of this language, there is the need for every Nigerian to be in the four basic skills of learning, which are listening, speaking, reading and writing skills. Regrettably, however, effective teaching of English in Nigerian schools is seriously handicapped as a result of numerous complex problems.

SCHOOL RESOURCES
School funding is a major determinant of the quality of English language teaching and learning. For example, many schools in Nigeria not only lack study materials, such as textbooks, dictionaries, workbooks and posters, but also do not have such essentials as electricity or adequate staff rooms and offices, and their buildings have leaking roofs and cracked walls, according to a study of Nigerian schools by S.E. Aduwa-Ogiegbaen and E.O.S. Iyamu published in 2006 in the "College Student Journal."