Professor of English and Linguistics at Kaduna State University, specializing in Sociolinguistics, Applied Linguistics, and Language Education. With extensive teaching and research experience, his work addresses linguistic diversity, Nigerian Pidgin, and multilingualism, contributing to academic discourse and language policy development.
Dr. Onah Patrick El-kanemi is a distinguished Professor in the Department of English and Drama at Kaduna State University, Kaduna, Nigeria. Born in Ichama Centre, Benue State, he hails from Okpokwu Local Government Area. Dr. Onah is an expert in English language studies, Sociolinguistics and Applied Linguistics, with extensive research and teaching experience spanning over three decades.
Dr. Onah obtained his Bachelor’s degree in Education (Language Arts – English) from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, followed by a Master’s degree and PhD in English Language from the same institution. His academic journey has been marked by significant contributions to language education, sociolinguistic research, and Applied Linguistics, particularly in the Nigerian and African contexts.
An accomplished scholar, Dr. Onah has authored numerous journal articles, book chapters, and conference papers. His research interests include the sociolinguistic implications of language use in Nigeria, language endangerment, and the pedagogical challenges of English language instruction. He has also explored the role of Nigerian Pidgin as a potential national language.
Dr. Onah is a dedicated teacher and mentor, having taught at several institutions, including Ahmadu Bello University and the Federal College of Education, Zaria. He is married with six children and speaks Idoma, English, and Nigerian Pidgin.