The House of Representatives has taken the first step towards the creation of a new federal university dedicated to the study of Nigerian languages. On Thursday, lawmakers passed the first reading of a bill to establish the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Federal University of Nigerian Languages, a project championed by the Deputy Speaker, Benjamin Kalu, and eight others.
This proposed institution, aimed at revolutionizing the teaching and preservation of Nigeria’s rich linguistic heritage, promises to be a beacon for the promotion of Nigerian languages and cultures. The bill obtained on Saturday reveals a bold vision for a university that will not only promote higher education in Nigerian languages but will also provide academic programs ranging from diplomas to postgraduate degrees with an emphasis on developing communication and cultural skills vital to national development.
“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.”
In an era where globalization is rapidly eroding indigenous languages, this university will focus on producing socially conscious individuals with expertise in Nigerian languages. Its mandate extends far beyond education; the institution will act as a catalyst for national development, ensuring the conservation and effective utilization of Nigeria’s vast natural and human resources through innovation, research, and postgraduate training.
The bill highlights that this university will establish strong ties with other institutions and engage in a variety of outreach programs, continuing education, and research, solidifying itself as a leader in the field of Nigerian language studies. Notably, it aims to train a new generation of language professionals who will provide consultancy services and research expertise across the nation, creating a pipeline of skilled individuals ready to tackle Nigeria’s linguistic challenges.
A pivotal role in this new university will be held by none other than the President of Nigeria, who will serve as the official "visitor" to the institution. The bill grants the President the power to conduct periodic visitations—at least once every five years—and even remove council members on the grounds of misconduct or incompetence.
The mandate of the university as spelt out in Section 1(2) 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.”
The President who is the visitor to the university, in Section 14 (2), is required to “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.”
Section 15 (1) reads, “If it appears to the council that a member of the council (other than the pro-chancellor or the vice-chancellor) should be removed from office on the ground of misconduct or inability to perform the functions of his office or employment, the council shall make a recommendation to that effect through the Minister to the President after making such enquiry, if any, as may be considered appropriate.
“If the President approves the recommendation, he may direct the removal.
