The House of Representatives has passed a bill to create the Bola Tinubu University of Nigerian Languages, aiming to promote the preservation and study of indigenous languages across the country.

The House of Representatives has initiated the process to establish the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Federal University of Nigerian Languages, as the bill successfully passed its first reading.

The proposed university seeks to enhance the study of Nigerian languages and cultures by providing academic and professional programs that develop skills in these fields.

The Deputy Speaker, Benjamin Kalu, along with eight others, is sponsoring the bill.

As stated in Section II, Part I of the bill, once established, the university should “promote the advancement of learning and offer everyone—regardless of race, creed, gender or political beliefs—the opportunity to pursue higher education in Nigerian languages and cultures.”

According to Section 14 (2), the President must conduct a review of the university, or appoint appropriate individuals to do so, as often as necessary but at least once every five years. This review can pertain to any aspect of the university’s affairs.

Sub-section 3 states that it is the responsibility of the university’s entities and individuals to offer necessary facilities and assistance to anyone conducting an official visitation, as reasonably needed.

The visitor (President) also holds the authority to remove council members from office, excluding the pro-chancellor and vice-chancellor of the university.

It also seeks to create and deliver academic and professional programs that culminate in the awarding of diplomas, bachelor’s degrees, postgraduate research qualifications, and advanced degrees. These programs will focus on cultivating planning skills as well as adaptive, developmental, and productive abilities within the realm of Nigerian languages and cultures.

The goal is to develop socially mature individuals capable of communicating, understanding, and utilizing Nigerian languages for national development.

Upon its establishment, the federal institution will serve as an agent and catalyst by providing postgraduate training, conducting research, and fostering innovation to efficiently utilize, exploit, and conserve Nigeria’s natural resources as well as economic and human assets.

Foster suitable partnerships with other national institutions engaged in the training, research, and development of Nigerian languages and cultures.

“Offer and advocate for solid foundational training to support the growth of Nigerian languages, while also highlighting teaching and research activities related to these languages. This includes outreach programs, in-service training, continuing education, adaptive research, and more.”

According to Section 1(2), the university is tasked with “educating and training highly skilled professionals in Nigerian languages.”

Carry out research, engage in outreach and community services, and support the learning of knowledge and skills in various Nigerian languages.

Section 15 (1) states: “If the council believes that a member, excluding the pro-chancellor or vice-chancellor, should be removed due to misconduct or inability to fulfill their duties, it must recommend this action through the Minister to the President after conducting any necessary inquiries.”

If the President approves the recommendation, he might order the removal of that individual from their position.

The bill is anticipated to be scheduled for a second reading in the coming weeks.