THE USE OF PIDGIN ENGLISH IN NIGERIAN TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS: A POOR COMMUNICATION STRATEGY FOR KNOWLEDGE DISSEMINATION

Abstract

This research discussed the use of Pidgin in Nigerian tertiary institutions as a poor communication strategy for knowledge dissemination. Pidgin English and unacceptable grammatical expressions are seemingly and subtly gaining acceptability in Nigerian institutions of higher learning. Could this be a result of lack of qualified teachers, non-availability of requisite instructional materials, apathy and nonchalant attitude of students and teachers towards the use of English as a second language in communication or the interference of mother tongue? In the researchers’ bid to find answers to these probing questions, they used a descriptive survey to elicit responses from 400 students in Abia State College of Education (Technical), Arochukwu; Abia State University, Uturu; Alvan Ikoku Federal University of Education, Owerri; and Imo State University, Owerri. The written interview was built into four research questions contained in a questionnaire. The writers used a purposive sampling technique to get the scores. The scores obtained were scrutinized by two experts in measurement and evaluation to achieve both their validity and reliability. Based on the analysis and findings of this work, recommendations and suggestions were proffered on how to sustain the use of Standard English in Nigerian tertiary institutions by discouraging the use of Pidgin English for knowledge dissemination by both students and lecturers in Nigerian tertiary institutions.