Nigeria’s House of Representatives has taken a significant step towards promoting the country’s rich linguistic diversity with the passage of a bill to establish the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Federal University of Nigerian Languages.
Sponsored by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu and eight other lawmakers, this institution aims to provide opportunities for higher education in Nigerian languages and cultures.
Section II Part I of the bill obtained by PUNCH 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.”Read more
It also aims to “Develop and offer academic and professional programmes leading to the award of diplomas, first degrees, postgraduate research and higher degrees with emphasis on planning, adaptive, developmental and productive skills in the field of Nigerian languages and cultures.
This is aimed at, “Producing socially mature persons with capacity to communicate, understand and use Nigerian languages for national development.”
The federal institution, when established would also “Act as agents and catalysts, through postgraduate training, research and innovation for the effective and economic utilization, exploitation and conservation of Nigeria’s natural, economic and human resources.
“Establish appropriate relationships with other national institutions involved in training, research and development of Nigerian languages and cultures.
“Provide and promote sound basic training as a foundation for the development of Nigerian languages as well promote and emphasise teaching and research activities around Nigerian languages, including outreach programmes, in-service training, continuing education, and adaptive research,” among others.
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Objectives of the University
– Promoting Nigerian Languages: The university will encourage the advancement of learning and provide opportunities for acquiring higher education in Nigerian languages and cultures.
– Developing Professional Programs: It will develop and offer academic and professional programs leading to diplomas, degrees, and higher degrees in Nigerian languages and cultures.
– Producing Socially Mature Persons: The goal is to produce individuals with the capacity to communicate, understand, and use Nigerian languages for national development.
Key Provisions
– Establishing Relationships: The university will establish relationships with national institutions involved in training, research, and development of Nigerian languages and cultures.
– Providing Language Services: It will provide Nigerian language services and consultancy.
– Conducting Research: The university will conduct research and participate in outreach and community services.
Presidential Oversight
– Visitor to the University: The President will serve as the visitor to the university, conducting visits every five years.
– Removing Council Members: The President has the power to remove council members, except the pro-chancellor and vice-chancellor, on grounds of misconduct or inability to perform.
The bill is expected to undergo a second reading and public hearing to gather stakeholders’ input.
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