*Ph.D Scholar, Department of English, College of Arts and Commerce, Andhra University.
**Professor of English, College of Arts and Commerce, Andhra University.
***Professor of Social Work, Department of Social Work, College of Arts and Commerce, Andhra University.
Online published on 3 December, 2012.
The main purpose of this research paper is to identify problems of using English as a medium of instruction in Gedeo and Sidama zones of SNNPR in Ethiopia. The research employed observation, interview, questionnaire, and written document for data collection. Description and tabular methods are used for data analysis and interpretation. To analyze the questionnaire both frequency and one way ANOVA are implemented. The main findings of this research show that because of their poor English language proficiency, grade 5 students are unable to learn through English medium of instruction. Teachers also were not proficient enough in English to teach their students through it. There is also lack of English medium teaching materials. Even though most stakeholders have a positive attitude towards using English as a medium of instruction, the result shows that English language of instruction is the main obstacle of educational development. This research recommends that the current medium of instruction should change until teachers and students will proficient enough to teach and learn in English.
