Kehinde Fajobi
The House of Representatives has taken the first step towards creating the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Federal University of Nigerian Languages with the passage of a bill for its first reading on Thursday.
The bill, co-sponsored by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu and eight other lawmakers, seeks to establish a federal institution focused on promoting the learning and preservation of Nigerian languages.
According to the bill, the proposed university would offer academic and professional programmes leading to diplomas, first degrees, and postgraduate qualifications. These would focus on planning, development, and the effective use of Nigerian languages for national development.
Section II, Part I of the bill states that the university, when established, will “Encourage the advancement of learning and to hold out to all persons without distinction of race, creed, sex or political conviction, the opportunity of acquiring a higher education in Nigerian languages and cultures.”
In addition to teaching, the institution aims to “Develop and offer academic and professional programmes leading to the award of diplomas, first degrees, postgraduate research, and higher degrees,” all with an emphasis on Nigerian languages and cultures.
The ultimate goal, according to the bill, is to “Produce socially mature persons with the capacity to communicate, understand and use Nigerian languages for national development.”
The university will also serve as a catalyst for research and postgraduate training in the effective utilisation of Nigeria’s natural, economic, and human resources. It will establish relationships with other national institutions involved in language and cultural research, while also promoting outreach and continuing education programmes in Nigerian languages.
The bill outlines a range of duties for the university, including the provision of Nigerian language services and consultancy, and conducting research to support the development of these languages.
The President, as the official visitor to the university, is tasked with conducting a visitation at least once every five years.
During these visits, Section 14 (2) of the bill states, “It shall be the duty of the bodies and persons comprising the university to make available to the visitor and to any other person conducting a visitation… such facilities and assistance as may reasonably be required.”
Additionally, the President will have the authority to remove council members, except the pro-chancellor and the vice-chancellor, based on recommendations from the university’s council through the Minister of Education.
If the President approves such a recommendation, he “may direct the removal of the person in question from office,” as outlined in Section 15 (1).
The bill will undergo further legislative processes, including a second reading and public hearing, where stakeholders will provide input.