Sustainable Development and English Studies in Nigerian Universities: An Investigative Discourse

Abstract

Purpose:This study investigates English studies in Nigerian universities and the implications of such studies on nationbuilding. Method: Fifty (50) research instruments (questionnaires) were administered to three categories of respondents: Nigerian undergraduates (15 questionnaires); academic staff of Nigerian universities (15 questionnaires); employers of labour in Nigeria (10 questionnaires); employees in Nigeria (10 questionnaires). The theoretical underpinning of this study is the Sociology of Language Approach. Results: The analysis reveals that: the importance of English studies in Nigeria is widely acknowledged; different factors bedevil English studies in Nigerian universities; and formal education fails to accomplish the goals of English studies in Nigeria. Conclusion: In this study, literacy in English is "the ability to use the English language with significant proficiency in spoken and written communications, such that graduates of Nigerian universities can perform satisfactorily at work-places, irrespective of their disciplines." In Nigeria, literacy level in English is not satisfactory, and this situation hinders nation-building. Given the significance of English studies all over the world and in Nigeria in particular, all stakeholders should foster the teaching and learning of the English language.