By Abiola Olawale
The proposal for the establishment of a new university named “Bola Ahmed Tinubu Federal University of Nigerian Languages” has sparked reactions among Nigerians following its successful first reading on the floor of the House of Representatives.
The bill was sponsored by the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Kalu and eight other lawmakers.
In his lead argument, Kalu said the establishment of the university named after President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is aimed at establishing a university for the promotion of the learning of Nigerian languages.
According to Section II Part I of the proposed bill, 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.
“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.
“Producing socially mature persons with the capacity to communicate, understand and use Nigerian languages for national development.
“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.”
However, several Nigerians have been reacting to this development differently.Below are some of the reactions:
“Another disappointment, with what is happening in Nigeria today, with energy and food crisis, all you can think up is Tinubu’s University. You are a joke.(@onouje)
“How does that contribute to the growth of the country.”(@Didacus)
“Misplaced priorities”(@ify)
