Representatives Consider Bill to Establish Tinubu Varsity for Languages ​​in Abia

A bill seeking to establish the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Federal University of Nigerian Languages ​​in Aba, Abia State, is currently being considered by the House of Representatives.

The proposed legislation, titled; “Bola Ahmed Tinubu Federal University of Nigerian Languages, Aba (Establishment, etc.) Bill, 2024 (HB.1753), has already passed the first reading stage in the Green Chamber.

Sponsored by the Vice-President of the Chamber, Hon. Benjamin Kalu (APC, Abia) and eight others, the bill aims to
establish a special university for promoting the learning of Nigerian languages.

The draft legislation states that the university, when established, must encourage the advancement of learning and offer all people the opportunity to acquire higher education in Nigerian languages ​​and cultures.

The proposed university is expected to “develop and offer academic and professional programs 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” .

The aim is to produce socially mature people with the ability to communicate, understand and use Nigerian languages ​​for national development.

Furthermore, the university, when established, “would act as agents and catalysts, through postgraduate training, research and innovation for the effective and cost-effective 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 education as a basis for the development of Nigerian languages, as well as promote and emphasize teaching and research activities around Nigerian languages, including extension programs, in-service training, continuing education and adaptive research.

“…Teach and train high-level Nigerian language professionals., Conduct research and participate in community service and outreach, and facilitate the acquisition of knowledge and skills in different Nigerian languages.”

Article 14 (2) and (3) of the Bill determines that the Rector, who is the visitor to the university, “whenever circumstances require, not less than once every five years, to pay a visit to the university or direct that such visitation be conducted by such person or persons as the visitor considers appropriate and in relation to any of the affairs of the university.

“It shall be the duty of the bodies and persons comprising the university to make available to the visitor, and to any other person conducting a visit under this section, such facilities and assistance as he or they may reasonably require for the purposes of a visit.”

The proposed law gives the Visitor (President) powers to remove the members of the council, in addition to the pro-rector and vice-rector of the university, from office.

Article 15 (1) provides that; “If it appears to the board that a member of the board (other than the pro-chancellor or vice-chancellor) should be removed from office for misconduct or inability to perform the duties of his office or employment, the board will make a recommendation in that sense, through the Minister, to the President, after making the investigation, if any, that may be considered appropriate.

“If the President approves the recommendation, he may order the removal of the person in question from office.”