Reps move to establish Bola Ahmed Tinubu University

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.