Ochendo: An African Journal of Innovative Studies

Linguistics is the scientific study of human language or a systematic inquiry into human speech, including methods of acquisition, the units, nature, instructions, modifications, and the relationship between human language. Language is an important aspect of human life. It is that which makes interpersonal communication and relationships possible in any given environment. No doubt, the quality of human life and socio economic development in every society depends on the quality of communication among its people. The study of linguistics should, be accorded a high premium in Nigeria's tertiary institutions, especially now that the nation is grappling with myriad issues of national development. Lecturers and students in this field of academic endeavour need to be motivated for maximum productivity and excellent academic performance, which ultimately impacts our national development. Lack of relevant instructional materials, textbooks, internet facilities, hostile learning environment, poor remuneration, and lack of welfare packages for lecturers have continued to contribute to a sharp decline in the quality of teaching and learning of linguistics in our tertiary institutions. Thus, this paper titled “Repositioning Linguistics and Linguists in Nigeria's Tertiary Institutions for Maximum Productivity and National Development: the Psychosocial Implications”examines, among others, linguistics and its current status as an academic discipline in Nigeria's tertiary institutions. Factors responsible for the decline in the quality of teaching and learning of linguistics in Nigeria's tertiary institutions and how to reposition linguistics and linguists in our tertiary institutions for maximum Productivity. The study found, among others, that the volume and quality of research on the indigenous Nigerian languages are declining in Nigerian tertiary institutions. It recommended, among others, that the government and tertiary institutions' management should join forces with the National Institute for Nigerian Languages (NINLAN) and Linguistic Association of Nigeria (LAN) to improve the volume and quality of research on the indigenous Nigerian languages.

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