By passing a bill to establish the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Federal University of Nigerian Languages, the House of Representatives in Nigeria has made a major step in promoting the nation’s rich linguistic diversity.
This bill, sponsored by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu and eight other lawmakers, seeks to give possibilities for higher education in Nigerian languages and cultures.
Section II Part I of the bill obtained by the media states that the university, once established, will “encourage the advancement of learning and to hold out to all persons without distinction of race, creed, gender, or political conviction, the opportunity of acquiring a higher education in Nigerian languages and cultures.”
It also aims to “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.
This is aimed at, “Producing socially mature persons with capacity to communicate, understand and use Nigerian languages for national development.”
When established, the federal institution will also “act as agents and catalysts, through postgraduate training, research, and innovation, for the effective and economic utilisation, 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,” among others.