The House of Representatives has taken a significant step toward establishing the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Federal University of Nigerian Languages, with the first reading of a bill on Thursday led by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu.
Kalu, alongside eight co-sponsors, introduced the bill, which aims to create a specialized institution focused on the promotion of Nigerian languages and cultural studies. The proposed university will offer a variety of academic programmes, including diplomas, undergraduate, and postgraduate degrees, designed to develop skills in linguistic and cultural fields.
According to the bill, the institution will produce graduates capable of utilizing Nigerian languages to foster national development. It also emphasizes the importance of postgraduate training, research, and innovation to optimize the nation’s human and cultural resources.
The university is expected to collaborate with other institutions involved in language and cultural studies, providing in-service training and educational outreach to ensure broader societal impact.
The bill also outlines that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will serve as the university’s visitor, responsible for conducting evaluations at least once every five years. Additionally, the President will hold the authority to remove council members, except the pro-chancellor and vice-chancellor, in cases of misconduct or failure to perform official duties.
The bill is slated for a second reading in the coming weeks, during which stakeholders will have the opportunity to present their views through a public hearing.
