JOURNAL OF LANGUAGE STUDIES AND ARTS

This paper explores the multicast of multilingualism in Nigeria and the opportunities and challenges of nationalising Hausa, Yoruba, and Igbo as national languages within the larger framework of English hegemony, globalisation, policy stagnation, and ethnic conflicts. The research employs a qualitative research design and non-participant observation to draw evidence based on markets, schools, religious meetings, festivals and media, comparing South Africa, India and Switzerland. The problem addressed is the ongoing relegation of indigenous languages to the peripheral position within the national discourse, even though indigenous languages are significant culturally, demographically, and economically. Findings indicate that Hausa, Yoruba, and Igbo are highly linguistically sustainable, culturally attractive, and grassroots economically valuable, but are still limited by the established dominance of English and poor policy enforcement. Cross-national comparisons underscore effective models of multilingual policies of inclusion that strike a balance between unity and diversity. This paper concludes that Nigeria should implement a bilingual system that promotes Hausa, Yoruba, and Igbo in education, business, and culture, yet keep English as a global language, which will maintain integration, inclusivity, and sustainable growth of the nation. By so doing, the paper adds to the burning debate of language sovereignty, cultural preservation, and social empowerment in postcolonial African societies

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