A bill seeking to establish Bola Ahmed Tinubu Federal University of Nigerian Languages has passed first reading in the house of representatives.
The bill is sponsored by Benjamin Kalu, the deputy speaker,
and eight other lawmakers: Inuwa Garba, Nasiru Shehu, Alex Ikwechegh, Bako
Useni, Amobi Ogah, Akin Rotimi, Halims Abdullahi, and Felix Nwaeke.
The university, which is to be located in Aba, Abia state,
aims to promote the study and use of Nigerian languages and culture for
national development.
The institution will offer academic and professional
programmes, including diplomas, degrees, and postgraduate research with a focus
on Nigerian languages and cultures.
It aims to “produce socially mature persons with the
capacity to communicate, understand, and use Nigerian languages for national
development”.
The university will also collaborate with other institutions
involved in Nigerian languages and culture, providing basic training and
promoting national unity.
Section 14(2) of the bill states that the president will be
the “visitor” of the university.
“The Visitor shall 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,” the bill states.
The bill will need to pass a second reading, public hearing,
third reading, and Senate concurrence before it is sent to the president for
assent.
This proposal adds to the growing number of university
establishment bills before the house of representatives.
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May the bill be given accelerated hearing and subsequently be passed into law.
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