Nigeria – Amidst Hunger, Reps Move To Establish Bola Tinubu University

By Onoja Baba, Nigeria

The House of Representatives of the Federal Republic of Nigeria has taken the first step towards establishing the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Federal University of Nigerian Languages even as Nigerians grapple with hardship.

On Thursday, the bill, sponsored by the Deputy Speaker, Benjamin Kalu, alongside eight other lawmakers, passed its first reading in the House.

The bill proposes the creation of a federal institution dedicated to advancing the study of Nigerian languages and fostering national development through language education.

The legislation outlines the university’s key objectives, which include offering diplomas, undergraduate, and postgraduate degrees in Nigerian languages and related cultural studies.

According to the provisions of the bill, the university will focus on producing graduates with a deep understanding of Nigerian languages, equipping them with the skills necessary to support national development and enhance communication across the country’s diverse linguistic landscape. It also emphasizes the role of research and innovation in developing the effective utilization of Nigeria’s human, natural, and economic resources.

The university will act as a catalyst for collaboration with other institutions that specialize in Nigerian languages, driving the development of language programs, outreach services, and professional training. Its mandate includes providing consultancy and language services, conducting research, and facilitating community engagement on Nigerian language preservation.

A unique feature of the bill is the active role it assigns to the President, who will serve as the university’s *Visitor*. The President is empowered to conduct regular visitations, at least once every five years, to oversee the institution’s operations and ensure its adherence to national educational standards. The bill also grants the President authority to remove council members (excluding the pro-chancellor and vice-chancellor) based on misconduct or inability to fulfill their duties.

The bill is expected to proceed to a second reading in the coming weeks, after which it will be subject to a public hearing to gather input from stakeholders, educators, and linguistic experts.

If passed, the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Federal University of Nigerian Languages will join Nigeria’s growing network of higher education institutions, with a specialized focus on preserving the nation’s linguistic heritage while fostering unity through cultural education.