So here we are, once again facing the priorities of our government. With all the crises engulfing Nigeria, economic instability, insecurity, a crumbling education system, what is the brilliant solution they’ve come up with this time? A brand-new university! But not just any university—welcome to the proposed Bola Ahmed Tinubu Federal University of Nigerian Languages, a brilliant move, apparently, towards the promotion of our indigenous languages.
While the rest of the country is grappling with inflation, unemployment, and insecurity, our lawmakers are busy pushing a bill to establish this university, as if our current universities aren’t already stretched thin. Perhaps someone should remind them that the state of education in Nigeria is nothing short of abysmal. But sure, let’s go ahead and add another one to the list, because what we clearly need more of right now is institutions, not better funding or improved resources for the ones already falling apart.
The bill, sponsored by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu and eight others, made its grand debut for the first reading at the House of Representatives. Its purpose? To promote the learning and research of Nigerian languages. Noble, isn’t it? But here’s the thing—if we’re so passionate about preserving our linguistic heritage, how about fixing the existing language departments in public universities that are woefully underfunded and underutilized?
According to Section II, Part I of this bill, the university will offer academic programs in Nigerian languages and cultures, preparing graduates to become “socially mature” individuals who can “communicate, understand, and use Nigerian languages for national development.” Fantastic! Because nothing says national development like more language graduates in a country struggling to feed its citizens and provide basic amenities.
The bill lays out a grand vision for the university, emphasizing the need for research, innovation, and professional training in Nigerian languages. There’s talk of promoting Nigerian languages and even offering consultancy services in this area. Really? In a nation with an almost nonexistent research budget, we are supposed to believe that this university will be a shining beacon of linguistic scholarship?
And let’s not forget the perks of being a “federal” university. Section 14 reminds us that the President will be the official Visitor of this institution, with the power to remove council members at will, except for the pro-chancellor and vice-chancellor. So, in addition to the President’s overflowing plate of governing the entire country, he’ll also have time to keep tabs on how well this language university is doing. Brilliant governance at its finest!
The bill is expected to move on to a second reading, where we will once again witness this spectacular display of misplaced priorities. As the country groans under the weight of food insecurity, unemployment, and an education sector that’s crumbling under the pressure of inadequate funding, our legislators think this is the best use of their time. Who knows? Maybe we’re all missing the bigger picture. Maybe the ability to speak fluent Yoruba, Hausa, or Igbo will magically solve our economic and security issues.
In the meantime, as the House of Representatives prepares for a public hearing to gather stakeholder input, the rest of Nigeria can only watch and wonder, what will our leaders come up with next? National anthem 2.0, or maybe another university for basket weaving?
