Nigerian Cultural Diversity and the Place of Pidgin Language: A Study of LASUSTECH Students

Abstract

This paper examines Nigerian cultural diversity and the place of pidgin language within it. The study 
was conducted at Lagos State University of Science and Technology, (LASUSTECH), Ikorodu, 
Nigeria. Anchored on social identity theory, the study employed qualitative methodology with data 
collected through Focus Group Discussions (FGD) as approaches to gain an insight into the cultural 
diversity and the roles of Pidgin English in Nigeria. Out of 56 participants interviewed, the results 
showed that the majority of the students identified themselves as belonging to the Yoruba ethnic 
group. In addition, the majority of them believed that pidgin was an important part of their culture. 
The study also revealed that there was considerable variation between different student groups, with 
some using Pidgin extensively, while others only relied on it in certain situations. The findings of the 
study suggest that there is a strong relationship between Nigerian cultural diversity and the role of 
pidgin language. The paper suggests that further research be conducted to further explore this dynamic 
relationship.