摘要：AbstractDifferent scholars like Jowitt (2005:vi) and Olaofe (1999:6), have decried the falling standard of education, especially students’ performance in English-a medium through which all other school subjects are studied. Various examinations results like WAEC, NECO and researches attest to this. The teachers of English are identified among the factors responsible for this downward trend, hence the need to critically examine them in order to offer lasting solutions. The problems associated with learning English as a foreign language are not peculiar to Nigeria but a global challenge, as Trugill and H**annah (1985) confirm. Incompetent teachers cannot be good models for their students. Using questionnaire and interview conducted among the principal actors-teachers, over 100 respondents were randomly selected. The analysis shows that some teachers took the teaching of English as the last resort-pretending to love the job, others are conscripted by private school owners who want to maximize profit even though these teachers are not professionals, there is a general misconception that anybody can teach English, those who went to study English in schools, did so due to some constraints, the ‘trained’ teachers are incompetent and many of them dislike teaching. With these, it is difficult for students to do well when they are taught by those who are not interested in the job. The study therefore recommends that all stakeholders should wake to their responsibilities and get rid of the “bad eggs” from the system; by consciously training and grooming teachers who have something worthwhile to offer learners.
