A bill to establish the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Federal University of Languages has passed its first reading in the House of Representatives, sponsored by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu and eight others. The bill aims to promote the advancement of learning in Nigerian languages and cultures, offering higher education opportunities without distinction of race, creed, or political belief. It also seeks to produce individuals capable of effectively using Nigerian languages for national development.
However, the proposal has sparked significant debate, raising critical questions about the necessity of such an institution. With 62 federal and 63 state universities already in operation, many of which have departments of languages or African studies, the need for a specialized university dedicated solely to languages is questionable.
Moreover, there exists the National Institute for Nigerian Languages (NINLAN), established in 1993 in Aba, Abia State, with a mandate to be the apex institution for research, teaching, documentation, and coordination of studies in Nigerian languages. This raises concerns about whether the proponents of the new university are unaware of NINLAN’s existence or have failed to articulate how the proposed university would provide additional value beyond what is already available.
The questions surrounding the establishment of the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Federal University of Languages highlight the need for a clear rationale and defined objectives that distinguish it from existing institutions and initiatives in the field of language education in Nigeria. Without this clarity, the proposal risks duplicating efforts and resources already committed to the study and promotion of Nigerian languages and cultures.