Abstract: This study examined the Impact of English language on teaching and learning in junior secondary schools. English language is Nigeria’s second language and as such its roles cannot be overemphasized, as it is an important tool for national development such that it is hard to imagine the modern world without English language. It enhances educational attainment through improved communication ability and its efficiency and effectiveness should be emphasized in schools. The purpose of this study was to examine the use of English language and education in Nigeria. This study was conducted in Uyo Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State. The population of this study comprised all junior secondary two (JSS2) English language student in the area. Two schools were selected at random for the study and a total of one hundred and fifty students were randomly selected from the two schools in Uyo Local Government Area for the study. The data obtained from the study were analyzed using questionnaire. Bases on the findings and other literature works, it is concluded that the use of English language has enhanced effective education in Nigeria. English language achievement test was used in collecting the relevant data and the result showed that the school is responsible for the improper teaching and learning of English language in Nigeria. It also shows that there is a link between English language and education in Nigeria.
CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1 1.1 Background to the Study
English Language is Nigeria’s second language. A second language is one that comes after one’s primary language. Ironically, it is also Nigeria’s dominant language with the use of English language being taught at various levels of the Nigerian educational system:- pre Nursery schools, Nursery schools, primary schools, secondary schools and Tertiary Institutions of learning. The Christian missionaries who came from Great Britain introduced formal western Education to Nigeria just before the middle of 19th century. Prior to then, Education was purely traditional, i.e. culture, history by the parents who were in turn taught by their own parents. After the introduction and acceptance of the formal system of education, the entire education was left in the hands of the missionaries and they began teaching children and adults who cared to learn English Language.
The entry of the British who were English speaking people in 1841, to the southern and south –western parts of Nigeria inevitably raised the question of a language to adopt for communication between the indigenous population and the quests; more so, the European quests felt the “Native” Language were too “extensive” and not of high quality and never likely to become useful for civilization. In 1882, the English Language which was already spoken in Nigeria by the elites and children of the elites was accepted and implemented as the main channel of introduction and was then generalized approved as a communication language in corporate environment (schools, post offices, corporate organizations, Airports, Federal and state parastatals and so on) consequently, the education ordinance and codes of 1882, 1896, 1918 and 1926 were enacted for English Language to be as the “official language” according to the constitution.
It is impossible to overestimate the role of the English language played in the development of African social view. It shows how English occupied and influential role in the formation of the national expectations and integration of the Nigerian nation through its “official language status”.
The roles of English language in Nigeria cannot be overemphasized as it is an important tool for national development such that it is hard to imagine the modern world without English language. It is in the top three of the most spoken language in the world. English language has become the Lingual Franca of travel, business and international communications. In fact Nigeria is ranked 4th among countries with the highest population of English speakers.
The inability to communication in English language would definitely make international trade impossible.
The importance of English Language for enhancing effective educational attainment through improved communication ability can never be overemphasized. student who have so much difficulty with their communication skill in English language may not function effectively not only in English language but in their academic performance and this no reason than the fact that English language is a language of textbooks and instructions in schools.
1.2 1.2 Statement of the Problem
The education of the child is very important not only to himself and the parents but also the community and the progress of the entire nation. Akinboye (2006), stated that the academic achievement of children from different schools environment varies greatly even with the rural settlement. Effects have been made by government to provide instructional models to some fortunate schools while others are deprive of such facilities for various reasons.
It is in this view of disparity of English language amongst children of our schools that it becomes necessary to carry out this study; it is aimed in finding out the effect of English language and Education in Nigeria. A critical look in our schools today shows that in Nigeria Majority of schools lack both human and material resources needed for effective teaching and learning of English language as a subject. These conditions resulted to ineffective teaching and learning of English language and have resulted to student poor academic performance in the subject.
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