A bill to establish the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Federal University of Nigerian Languages by the House of Representatives has passed first reading.
The proposed bill aims to promote the learning of Nigerian languages was sponsored by the Deputy Speaker, Hon. Benjamin Kalu, and eight others.
Titled a bill for “An Act to Establish The Bola Ahmed Tinubu Federal University of Nigerian Languages, Aba; to Make Comprehensive Provisions for its Due Management and Administration and For Related Matters”, the bill proposed that the university be cited in Aba, Abia, the home state of the deputy speaker.
The co-sponsors of the legislation are: Akin Rotimi (spokesperson of the house), Inuwa Garba, Nasiru Shehu, Alex Ikwechegh, Bako Useni, Amobi Ogah, Halims Abdullahi, and Felix Nwaeke.
The university’s mandate, as outlined in Section 1(2), includes training high-calibre professionals in Nigerian languages, providing consultancy services, and conducting research while facilitating knowledge acquisition in various Nigerian languages.
The President, as the visitor to the university, is required by Section 14(2) to conduct visitations at least once every five years.
This section also stipulates that university bodies must assist the visitor during these inspections. The President has the authority to remove council members, except for the pro-chancellor and vice-chancellor, based on recommendations from the council regarding misconduct or inability to perform their duties.
Section 15(1) states that if the council believes a member should be removed, they must recommend this to the minister, who will then relay it to the President for approval.
The bill is expected to be scheduled for a second reading in the coming weeks, leading to a public hearing to gather input from stakeholders.
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.
The institution will offer academic and professional programmes, including diplomas, degrees, and postgraduate research with a focus on Nigerian languages and cultures.
