The House of Representatives has moved forward with a bill to establish the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Federal University of Nigerian Languages after its first reading on Thursday.
The bill, sponsored by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu and eight others, aims to promote the study and preservation of Nigerian languages.
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According to Section II, Part I of the bill, 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 will offer a wide range of academic programs, from diplomas to postgraduate degrees, with a focus on producing individuals skilled in communication, understanding, and the application of Nigerian languages for national development.
In addition, the university will serve as a hub for research and innovation in Nigerian languages and cultures, collaborating with other national institutions involved in similar efforts. It will also prioritize teaching, research activities, and outreach programs designed to promote Nigerian languages, offering in-service training and adaptive research.
The bill highlights the university’s role in producing professionals who will provide services, consultancy, and community engagement in Nigerian languages. As outlined in the bill’s mandate, the institution aims to “teach and train high calibre Nigerian languages professionals” while facilitating the acquisition of knowledge in different Nigerian languages.
The President of Nigeria will serve as the university’s visitor, with the responsibility to conduct or direct a visitation of the institution at least once every five years to review its affairs. The visitor also holds the authority to remove council members, except the pro-chancellor and vice-chancellor, if they are found guilty of misconduct or inability to perform their duties.
The bill is expected to move to a second reading soon, followed by a public hearing to gather input from stakeholders.
