Societies all over the world have used education as an instrument for the achievement of their national interests and objectives. Britain and America are foremost examples of places where education is an instrument for effective national development and fosters the worth and development of the individuals first, and then the general development in the society. In these exemplary settings, English is the language of education and a major means of global communication. This study makes a case for English- the official language in Nigeria. Presently, the literate speakers of English language in Nigeria constitute its majority from those who 'schooled' in the good old days. The teeming youth population is currently battling a dwindling trend in their performance in public examinations which are conducted annually. The consistent report of mass failure and low performance in these examinations, confirm the situation altogether. The emergent reality needs urgent attention. This paper investigates the teaching and learning of English and makes suggestions that ensure national development of the English Language in this democratic era. Using the Hymes (1994) framework, the study suggests an enrichment in English teaching and learning through due emphasis of the skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing to meet the language needs ofa democratic era. Findings show the means through which specific areas of English teaching and learning need to be harnessed to create a positive awareness in the individual and society towards national commitment and mass mobilization for developmental tasks. The study recommends a review of the methods of teaching and learning English and emphasizes a strategic trend of meeting democratic needs through adequate training in communicative needs.
