Relevance of the Teaching and Learning of English Language in Nigerian Polytechnics: A Study of Akanu Ibiam Federal Polytechnic, Unwana, Nigeria

Abstract

This research investigated relevance of the English language teaching and learning in Nigerian Polytechnics, spotlighting Akanu Ibiam Federal Polytechnic, Unwana. The study adopted survey research design method, and utilized validated questionnaire as instrument for data collection. Three research questions guided the study. 410 copies of the questionnaire were administered on the students randomly selected from the six schools of the institution, using balloting technique without replacement. 400 copies of the questionnaire were returned in usable form. Data collected were analyzed using tables and mean statistics. 2.50 mean benchmark was chosen for the study. Findings revealed that English language teaching and learning is relevant in Nigerian Polytechnic education. It was also found out that Polytechnic students have interest in the teaching and learning of English language. The study further revealed that many Polytechnic students perform poorly in English language as a result of their poor background in the language, frequent use of Pidgin English; inability to understand English language lectures; inability to engage in extensive reading, and lack of interest in reading literary texts. The work, therefore, recommended, among others, that effort should be intensified in teaching English language courses in Nigerian Polytechnics, using appropriate teaching methodology and facilities, and the use of Pidgin English among students within the campus officially bound, while the study of Literature in English should be made compulsory each semester from ND1 to HND11.