ABSTRACT
This study investigated the causes of poor English proficiency among junior high school students in Oshimili South Local Government Area, Delta State. Comments came from selected students and teachers at her five high schools in Delta. The sample consists of 300 students and 79 teachers. This study uses a descriptive survey design and uses surveys to collect data. Simple numbers and percentages are used for data analysis.
As a result, the causes of poor language proficiency are: mother tongue, lack of qualified English teachers, negative student attitudes towards English, poor English proficiency in secondary education, lack of teaching materials and facilities, and lack of language proficiency. The findings lead to the conclusion that the dominance of the native language, inadequate language workshops, lack of qualified English, and inadequate educational facilities lead to poor English proficiency among Oshimili students. Research shows that the most effective ways to solve the problem of poor English performance are qualified English teachers, appropriate English classes, language workshops, students participating in competitions, and teaching and listening to English. The study also found that English teachers should always be properly trained and have the necessary facilities and support/equipment. Teachers must otherwise improvise, and English must be the medium of communication in secondary schools. It is the official language of the country.
