Reps push for establishment of Bola Tinubu University

• The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, and eight other lawmakers passed a bill seeking to establish the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Federal University of Nigerian Languages
• The institution aims to promote the learning and development of Nigerian languages and cultures
• The bill will go through a second reading and public hearing for stakeholder input in coming weeks 

The House of Representatives in Nigeria has taken a significant step towards establishing a new higher institution, the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Federal University of Nigerian Languages. 

A bill to this effect, sponsored by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu and eight other lawmakers, passed its first reading on Thursday, October 10, 2024. 

The university, once established, would focus on promoting the learning and development of Nigerian languages and cultures.

According to the bill's provisions, the university aims to advance learning and offer equal educational opportunities to all, regardless of race, creed, sex, or political affiliation. 

Section II part I of the bill provides that the university, when established, shall “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 set to develop academic and professional programmes that will lead to diplomas, first degrees, postgraduate research, and higher degrees. A strong emphasis will be placed on practical skills, cultural knowledge, and the application of Nigerian languages in various sectors to enhance national development.

As spelt out in Section 1(2), the university's mandate includes “To teach and train high calibre Nigerian languages professionals.

“Provide Nigerian language services and consultancy.

“Conduct research and participate in outreach and community services and facilitate the acquisition of knowledge and skills in different Nigerian languages.”

In addition to its academic programmes, the proposed university will serve as a hub for postgraduate training, research, and innovation. It is intended to work closely with other national institutions in language and cultural development, helping conserve and utilise Nigeria's linguistic heritage. 

The university will also engage in community outreach, in-service training, continuing education, and research on Nigerian languages.

The bill outlines that the President of Nigeria will act as the Visitor to the university, tasked with conducting a visitation at least once every five years, and will allow for an evaluation of the institution’s affairs. 

“As often as the circumstances may require, not being less than once every five years, 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.”

Sub-section 3 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 in pursuance of this section such facilities and assistance as he or they may reasonably require for a visitation.”

The president also has the authority to remove council members, excluding the pro-chancellor and vice-chancellor, based on recommendations from the university council.

The bill is expected to be listed for a second reading in the weeks ahead in preparation for a public hearing to garner stakeholders’ input.

ASUU threatens indefinite strike, says FG failed to honour agreement

Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported that the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) issued a stark warning of an impending indefinite strike due to the Federal Government's failure to honour the 2009 agreement regarding salaries and funding. 

Among the critical issues raised by Prof. Timothy Namo, the Bauchi Zonal Coordinator of ASUU, during a press conference held in Jos are the unresolved negotiations regarding the 2009 agreement, unpaid salaries for over three months, and outstanding payments for academic staff on adjunct contracts.