Abstract: This research was done to find the causes of poor speaking ability in the English Language among university students in Northern Nigeria. The study adopted a quantitative method where questionnaires were used containing two variables: (1) Oral Activities Involving Students in Basic Schools & (2) Speaking English at Home, in Religious Places, and Market Places. 200 students comprising of both gender and studying diverse courses were randomly chosen across four universities, that is 50 students each from Federal University Gusau, Zamfara State; University of Ilorin, Kwara State; North-West University Kano and Nasarawa State University Keffi, Nasarawa State. The results of the responses were tabulated, percentages computed and charts used to show pictorial results. The main findings show that while there are a lot of respondents who testify that oral activities do take place in their basic school and they also speak English at home and other places, there is a greater percentage of respondents also who indicated that they either seldom or never had those opportunities. This explains why there are many students today who find it difficult to communicate effectively in the English language even though they are doing well in their various courses of study. The study, therefore, recommends that language skills viz speaking, writing, reading, and listening should be given priority right from basic school as they help greatly in improving students’ performance in the English language.