The House of Representatives has introduced a legislative proposal aimed at creating the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Federal University of Nigerian Languages, a specialized institution dedicated to preserving and promoting Nigeria’s diverse linguistic heritage.
Sponsored by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu and eight co-sponsors, the bill passed its first reading last week, marking a significant step towards safeguarding Nigeria’s languages.
According to the bill, the proposed university will focus on “the advancement of learning” in Nigerian languages and offer a pathway to higher education that is accessible to all Nigerians, irrespective of background or political beliefs. “The university’s goal is to produce socially mature individuals capable of using Nigerian languages for national development,” Kalu stated.
The institution will develop academic programs aimed at providing planning, adaptive, and productive skills in Nigerian languages. Its academic offerings will include diplomas, first degrees, postgraduate research, and higher degrees, with the goal of equipping students with essential skills for both personal and national growth.
Beyond its academic functions, the university is envisioned to act as a “catalyst” in Nigeria’s social and economic sectors. It will support postgraduate research, encourage innovation, and promote the sustainable use of Nigeria’s natural and human resources. The bill also emphasizes the university’s future role in fostering relationships with other national institutions focused on language and cultural research.
The institution will be tasked with training high-caliber professionals in Nigerian languages and providing consultancy services to expand language expertise across the country. Outreach initiatives, including in-service training and continuing education programs, will also be part of the university’s mandate.
The President of Nigeria is set to play a supervisory role, serving as the “Visitor” to the university and conducting visitations at least once every five years to assess its operations. Additionally, the President has the authority to remove council members on grounds of misconduct or incompetence, ensuring accountability within the institution.
As the bill moves towards a second reading and public hearing, stakeholders are preparing to discuss its potential impact on Nigerian society and the preservation of cultural identity. Deputy Speaker Kalu emphasized that the establishment of the university will promote national unity by fostering a greater appreciation of Nigerian languages, adding that it will equip future generations to better communicate across Nigeria’s diverse cultural landscape.
The proposal comes at a time when the preservation of Nigeria’s linguistic heritage is considered crucial for maintaining the nation’s cultural identity.
