A bill pushing for the creation of Bola Ahmed Tinubu Federal University of Nigerian Languages has scaled first reading in the house of representatives.

Ekwutosblog understands that this bill is sponsored by Benjamin Kalu, the deputy speaker, and eight other lawmakers: Inuwa Garba, Nasiru Shehu, Alex Ikwechegh, Bako Useni, Amobi Ogah, Akin Rotimi, Halims Abdullahi, and Felix Nwaeke.

The university will be located in Aba, Abia state.

The proposed university would provide equal educational opportunities in Nigerian languages, offering diplomas, degrees, and postgraduate programmes designed to develop skills in language and cultural fields.

It will also produce graduates who can effectively use Nigerian languages for national development.

The university will also collaborate with other institutions involved in Nigerian languages and culture, providing basic training and promoting national unity.

The bill revealed that President Bola Tinubu will be the university’s visitor, responsible for conducting evaluations at least once every five years.

The President is also given authority to remove council members, excluding the pro-chancellor and vice-chancellor, based on misconduct or inability to perform duties.

The bill will need to pass a second reading, public hearing, third reading, and Senate concurrence before it is sent to the president for assent.

However the proposed bill has ignited a flurry of reactions among Nigerians with many criticizing it as unimportant and a waste of resources, especially in light of the current economic challenges.

Williamstalk posted: “Anywhere Belle face people we have a pressing issue facing the people and you guys are busy attending to things that are not relevant for the now!!! Is this not an oversabi something!!!!”

DrWhales tweeted: “The existing Universities are not funded adequately. A lot of Universities in the North suffer low patronage die to insecurity issues and general lack of interest in Education. These are not issues enough, you must play politics by trying to massage an old man’s ego.”

Popular social media critic, Daniel Regha wrote: “And this is important right now because? Many Nigerians can’t feed or cope under this administration, but it’s learning languages that’s being discussed by lawmakers? My God!”

Tomi of Canada asked: “These people are just playing Nigerian’s. Is this what Nigerians need right now with all the universities we already have?”