The House of Representatives has passed a bill for the first reading.
The bill passed on Thursday is aimed at establishing the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Federal University of Nigerian Languages.
This initiative, spearheaded by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu and eight co-sponsors, seeks to create a dedicated institution for the promotion and study of Nigerian languages.
According to Section II, Part I of the bill, which was obtained by News Reporters on Saturday, the proposed university 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.”
The institution is envisioned as a platform for developing and offering academic and professional programs, leading to diplomas, degrees, and higher qualifications, with a particular focus on planning, adaptive, developmental, and productive skills in the field of Nigerian languages and cultures.
The bill aims to produce “socially mature persons with the capacity to communicate, understand, and use Nigerian languages for national development.” Furthermore, the federal institution, once established, will serve as an agent for postgraduate training, research, and innovation, facilitating the effective use and conservation of Nigeria’s rich natural, economic, and human resources.
Additional objectives outlined in the bill include establishing collaborative relationships with other national institutions involved in the training and development of Nigerian languages, providing essential training for the development of these languages, and promoting extensive teaching and research activities. The mandate also emphasizes outreach programs, in-service training, continuing education, and adaptive research.
Section 1(2) of the bill succinctly states the university’s mission: “To teach and train high calibre Nigerian languages professionals,” provide language services and consultancy, conduct research, participate in outreach, and facilitate the acquisition of knowledge and skills in various Nigerian languages.
The bill further stipulates that the President, serving as the university’s visitor, will conduct regular visitations to ensure the institution’s effective governance. Section 14(2) requires that the President “conduct a visitation of the university or direct that such a visitation be conducted by such person or persons as the visitor may deem fit and in respect of any of the affairs of the university” at least once every five years.
Moreover, the bill grants the President the authority to remove council members based on recommendations from the council concerning misconduct or inability to fulfill their roles, excluding the pro-chancellor and vice-chancellor.