Outrage As Reps Seek Establishment Of Bola Tinubu University
The House of Representatives has sparked widespread frustration among Nigerians after the first reading of a bill seeking to establish the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Federal University of Nigerian Languages.
The bill, sponsored by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu and eight others, is aimed at promoting the learning of Nigerian languages and cultures.
If passed, the university will offer diplomas, first degrees, and postgraduate studies in Nigerian languages, with a focus on national development and cultural preservation.
The proposed federal institution, according to the bill, would serve as a center for research and innovation while advancing training in Nigerian languages.
The bill further grants the President, who would serve as the Visitor to the university, significant powers, including the authority to conduct periodic visitations and remove council members.
However, the announcement has ignited outrage on social media, with many questioning the timing and relevance of such a project given the current state of Nigeria’s educational sector.
On X (formerly Twitter), user @EmekaNwuaku commented, “How is this our priority..the problem of tertiary education in Nigeria is poor funding and not more universities.” Echoing this sentiment, @EricChimara labeled the bill as an act of “arse licking” by the National Assembly.
Critics have pointed out the ongoing challenges faced by existing universities, which often suffer from strikes due to poor funding and inadequate resources. @ChibuikemJohn remarked, “Existing Nigerian universities go on strike every time for lack of adequate funding & required educational facilities, and are barely surviving, yet our reps want to establish a new one in the president’s honour.”
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The bill has also raised concerns over the propriety of naming a federal institution after President Tinubu, who has only been in office for 18 months. @DavidObafemi7 questioned, “Has it really gotten to this level? What qualifies BAT to have a Federal tertiary institution named after him? The hardships he’s subjecting us to or what?”
Other users, like @pascaboro, argued that the President’s focus should be on serving Nigerians rather than personal accolades, stating, “He’s here to serve Nigerians and not the other way around.” The general consensus among many citizens appears to be that the proposed university is out of touch with the nation’s immediate educational needs and economic realities.
See the full reactions below;
@EmekaNwuaku: How is this our priority..the problem of tetiary education in Nigeria is poor funding and not more universities.
@EricChimara: Arse licking Assembly
@DavidObafemi7: Has it really gotten to ds level? D hypocrisy stinks.., what qualifies BAT to have a Federal tertiary institution named after him? D hardships he’s subjecting us to or what? Eleribu oloshi alayebaje gbogbo!
@DalconShaniyi: Emi l’okan will be a paramount subject to be taught as it’s a statement that came to pass. A University of thought and provoking strong will, that will remove all doubts in the mindsets. This is a good citadel of knowledge that is needed in Nigeria at this moment.
@ericson_egbon: Nobody is talking about fuel and the bad economy but University 🤣
@pascaboro: This man in question is just 18 months in office, and you’ve started naming university after him. Please, he’s here to serve Nigerians and not the other way round
@ChuksChukw3705: It’s very important that Nigeria build this university in Nigeria land to enable them teach their citizens what tinubu mean for them and how tinubu changed their mentalities from human reasoning to the worst animalistic status. And how election can be won without due proccess
@ChibuikemJohn: Existing Nigerian universities go on strike every time for lack of adequate funding & required educational facilities, and are barely surviving, yet our reps want to establish a new one in the president’s honour. It’s obvious, something is not correct in the heads of some people.
@jerimiadetunji: Obviously, the political leaders and the led are not on the same page regarding the economic situation of the country.
Sodiq Lawal is a passionate and dedicated journalist with a knack for uncovering captivating stories in the bustling metropolis of Osun State and Nigeria at large. He has a versatile reporting style, covering a wide range of topics, from politics , campus, and social issues to arts and culture, seeking impact in all facets of the society.
