American Research Journal of English and Literature

 In Nigeria, English is still the medium of instruction in schools. “Development” is a concept that scholars view in different perspectives. It involves both “change” and “growth”. Although “change” can either be positive or negative, this paper focuses on the positive sense of the term, and therefore depicts development as growth. The paper hinges on U. Thant’s Theory of Development, and argues for the candidature of Language of Immediate Community (LIC), not as a sole medium of instruction in schools, but as a Nigerian language that should be taught alongside English in communities which host such schools. However, there should be public examination of selected languages of immediate communities. Part of the findings of this study is that literacy in LIC fosters national cohesion, social mobilization and sustainable development.