The House of Representatives has advanced a legislative proposal aimed at establishing a new federal university in Nigeria, in the name of President Bola Tinubu.
On Thursday, the bill for the creation of the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Federal University of Nigerian Languages passed its first reading. The proposed institution is dedicated to the promotion, study, and preservation of Nigerian languages and cultures.
The bill, co-sponsored by the Deputy Speaker, Benjamin Kalu, and eight other legislators, is said to be in recognition of the need to protect and nurture Nigeria’s linguistic heritage. With over 500 indigenous languages spoken in Nigeria, the university aims to bolster the teaching, research, and development of these languages, many of which are under threat of extinction.
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The bill outlines a vision for the university, which, once established, will serve as a center of excellence for language education and cultural studies.
According to a document containing the bill, the university will aim to achieve the following:
Advance Learning and Inclusivity
The proposed institution will “encourage the advancement of learning and 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.”
Academic and Professional Programs
The university will offer a variety of academic and professional programs, ranging from diplomas to postgraduate research degrees. These programs will emphasize the development of practical skills necessary for planning, development, and productive activities related to Nigerian languages and cultures.
Research and Development
In addition to teaching, the university will “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.”
Collaboration with Other Institutions
The bill mandates that the university establish relationships with other national institutions engaged in the training, research, and development of Nigerian languages. Such collaborations are expected to enhance the quality of academic programs and research initiatives, fostering a network of experts dedicated to language preservation.
Community Outreach and In-Service Training
The institution’s responsibilities extend beyond traditional academic functions. It will also engage in outreach programs, provide in-service training, and promote adaptive research.
Producing Language Professionals and Consultancy Services
The university is tasked with training “high calibre Nigerian languages professionals” and providing language-related services and consultancy. It will also conduct research, participate in community services, and facilitate the acquisition of skills in various Nigerian languages.
Governance and Visitation Powers
The proposed governance structure grants significant oversight powers to the President of Nigeria, who will act as the university’s “Visitor.” According to Section 14(2) of the bill, the President is required to conduct a visitation to the university at least once every five years. During such visitations, the university is obligated to provide the necessary facilities and assistance to support the process.
The President also has the authority to remove members of the university’s council, excluding the pro-chancellor and vice-chancellor. Section 15(1) specifies that if the council determines a member should be removed due to misconduct or inability to perform their duties, the council may recommend the removal to the President through the Minister. Upon the President’s approval, the council member can be dismissed.
Lawmakers Accused of Insensitivity and Nonchalance
However, the introduction of the bill has sparked a wave of backlash, with many Nigerians criticizing the timing as insensitive, considering the dire economic circumstances facing the nation. Many believe that addressing more urgent economic issues should take precedence over establishing a new institution.
The economic situation in Nigeria remains fraught with challenges that have left a significant portion of the population struggling to make ends meet. The country has been grappling with persistently high inflation, which has driven up the cost of living and eroded the purchasing power of ordinary citizens. Recent data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) indicated that inflation stood at 32.15% as of August, with food prices continuing to soar.
The situation has been compounded by fuel price hikes following the removal of subsidies, leading to a dramatic increase in transportation costs and further worsening the hardships faced by Nigerians.
The unemployment rate remains troublingly high, with many young people unable to find gainful employment. According to a recent NBS report, more than a third of the youth population is unemployed, leading to heightened frustration and despair among the country’s most economically active demographic.
Additionally, a weakened naira has resulted in rising import costs, making basic goods and services increasingly unaffordable for the average citizen. The economic pain has left many struggling to afford essentials such as food, healthcare, and education, forcing households to make difficult choices about their daily survival.
Amid this economic distress, the decision to push forward a bill for a new university has been viewed by many as emblematic of the disconnect between the political class and the daily realities of the people. Many argue that the focus on establishing a new educational institution does not address the immediate needs of the populace, such as measures to alleviate poverty, stimulate economic growth, or provide relief from high living costs.
Critics feel that lawmakers are out of touch with the struggles of ordinary Nigerians, prioritizing projects that appear to serve political or symbolic interests rather than practical, urgent solutions.
This criticism has been part of a broader sentiment that Nigerian lawmakers are often preoccupied with issues that do not directly impact the economic wellbeing of citizens. Accusations of insensitivity have surfaced frequently, with lawmakers seen as prioritizing personal and political gains over public welfare. An example often cited is the recent proposal to change Nigeria’s national anthem, a move that was also met with widespread backlash.
There is also concern over the financial implications of establishing a new university. With limited budgetary resources and ongoing funding challenges faced by existing tertiary institutions, some argue that the focus should be on improving the infrastructure and quality of existing educational facilities rather than spreading thin resources over new projects.
Many public universities in Nigeria are plagued by inadequate funding, poor facilities, and frequent strikes due to unmet demands of staff unions. The establishment of a new institution, in this context, is viewed by some as a misallocation of funds that could otherwise be used to revitalize the existing educational system.
The controversy has once again highlighted the growing disconnect between government priorities and public expectations. Many Nigerians are calling for a more people-centered legislative agenda that addresses pressing economic issues and delivers tangible benefits to the populace.