A Nigerian social commentator, Emmanuel Chibueze, has called attention to the widespread use of the expression “she is a staff”, describing it as incorrect in Standard English.
Chibueze, in a recent commentary, noted that the expression is commonly heard in Nigerian English, particularly when referring to an individual who works for an organisation.
According to him, while the expression may be easily understood in everyday communication, being understood does not necessarily make it grammatically acceptable in Standard English.
He explained that “staff” is generally used as a collective noun referring to the people working in an organisation, rather than as a countable noun for a single employee.
Chibueze therefore advised speakers to use expressions such as “she is a member of staff,” “she is a staffer,” or “she works for the organisation” when referring to an individual employee.
“Staff” can refer collectively to the workforce of an organisation, while “a member of staff” refers to an individual within that workforce, She explained.
He cited examples such as “The staff are having a meeting” and “She is a member of staff” as acceptable constructions in Standard English.
Chibueze’s observation has reignited discussion about the distinction between Nigerian English expressions that are widely understood and forms considered standard in international English usage.
He urged speakers who want to use Standard English, particularly in formal communication, to avoid describing an individual employee simply as “a staff.”
The commentary was attributed to Emmanuel Chibueze.
