197 ISSUES IN LANGUAGE: THE NIGERIAN PERSPECTIVE By David Olugbade FAKEYE DEPARTMENT OF TEACHER EDUCATION, UNIVERSITY OF IBADAN, IBADAN E-mail: fako4best@yahoo.com Phone No: 08034059818 & Kehinde Olufemi OGUNYEMI DEPARTMENT OF ARTS EDUCATION, ADEKUNLE AJASIN UNIVERSITY AKUNGBA- AKOKO ONDO STATE E-mail: luckykenny4u@yahoo.com Phone No: 08055825504 Abstract This paper examines various issues involved in language situation in Nigeria. It takes a critical look at the multilingual nature of Nigeria and the unifying role supposedly played by the English language. The paper establishes that the acceptance of English language has led to gross neglect of our indigenous languages thus placing them on the endangered list. The paper canvases that the English language should not be allowed to supplant our indigenous languages in order to preserve our rich cultural heritage. The paper also establishes that the elusive but much desired national integration and unity can only be achieved by promoting our indigenous languages. Issues raised in the paper are discussed under the following sub- headings: multilingual nature of Nigeria, unifying role of English language, subsequent neglect of indigenous languages, language policy to the rescue, implementation of the policy, challenges of implementation, implication of non- implementation, conclusion and recommendations. Key words: Indigenous language, multilingualism, language policy, National Policy on Education. Introduction: The Multilingual Nature of Nigeria Language is an essential tool in the human society. One basic feature of language is that it does not exist without a society or group of people using it. In fact, there is not a single society in the world without an established linguistic codes used for day to day interactions among members of such society. The survival and