Abuja, Nigeria – The House of Representatives has made strides in establishing the Bola Tinubu Federal University of Nigerian Languages as the bill for its creation passed its first reading stage last week.
The bill, which was sponsored by the Deputy Speaker, Benjamin Kalu, and eight others, outlines the university’s mission to advance education in Nigerian languages and cultures. It aims to provide opportunities for higher education without discrimination based on race, creed, sex, or political conviction.
Key sections of the bill highlight the university’s objective to “develop and offer academic and professional programmes leading to the award of diplomas, first degrees, postgraduate research, and higher degrees, with emphasis on planning, adaptive, developmental, and productive skills in the field of Nigerian languages and cultures.” The institution is expected to produce graduates who can use Nigerian languages effectively for national development.
The bill also states that the university would serve as an agent of national growth through postgraduate training, research, and innovation, focusing on the economic utilization of Nigeria’s human and natural resources. In addition, it would foster relationships with other institutions involved in the training and development of Nigerian languages.
Other provisions of the bill include promoting teaching and research activities related to Nigerian languages, offering consultancy services, and providing in-service training. The institution will also serve as a foundation for the continuous development of Nigerian languages.
Section 1(2) of the bill mandates the university to teach and train high-caliber Nigerian language professionals, provide language consultancy services, and conduct outreach programmes to facilitate the acquisition of skills in various Nigerian languages.
The bill designates the President of Nigeria as the university’s Visitor, giving him the authority to conduct a visitation to the institution at least once every five years. The President also holds the power to remove council members from office, except for the pro-chancellor and vice-chancellor, following a recommendation by the council.
Section 15(1) empowers the council to recommend the removal of any council member, other than the pro-chancellor and vice-chancellor, on grounds of misconduct or inability to perform their duties. Such recommendations are to be forwarded to the President through the Minister for final approval.
This legislative development comes amid growing public concerns over the economic hardships Nigerians are facing due to policies implemented by President Bola Tinubu. Critics, including former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, have cited the worsening economic situation, leading to increased hunger, poverty, and mental health crises in the country.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has also criticized Tinubu’s administration, accusing it of mishandling the removal of fuel subsidies, which he claims has exacerbated the economic difficulties for Nigerians. Atiku pointed out that the administration’s haphazard approach to subsidy management has plunged the nation into its current economic crisis.