The article examines the role of the English language in Nigeria, a major West African country with a highly diverse ethnic composition of the population and a very complex linguistic situation. While English is the official language, there are more than 500 indigenous languages in Nigeria. Nigerian Pidgin English is a popular means of interethnic communication and a marker of solidarity between the various groups. The article analyzes the role of English in introducing Nigerians to modern knowledge, creating new types of thinking and contributing to the development of national self-awareness. At the same time, the paper points out how the English language is adapted to reflect African mentality and African world view.

official language, indigenous languages, ethnic composition of the population, ethnical and political situation, means of interethnic communication, diverse linguistic situation, Pidgin English