There are between 250 to 400 other recognized ethnic groups, many divided into subgroups of considerable social and political importance. The most important ethnolinguistic categories are the Hausa and Fulani in the north, the Yoruba in southwest, and the Igbo in southeast. All of these ethnic groups are further divided on sub-ethnic and clan lines. Other important groups include the Kanuri, Ibibio, Tiv, and Ijaw. According to Ethnologue, the number of first languages spoken in Nigeria are 478.
Many languages have regional dialects.
The most broadly spoken languages are Hausa, Yoruba, and Igbo. Hausa is the major language in the north. English is the official language used in government, large-scale business, mass media, and education beyond primary school. Divers local languages are used for primary education. Few people study beyond primary school and the literacy rate is thought to be around 42 percent.