A bill aimed at establishing and naming a university after President Bola Ahmed Tinubu by the House of Representatives has been described as seeking personal interest and sycophancy.
It is undeniably true that the primary responsibility of legislators is to make laws for the good governance of the people. A bill presented to the House of Representatives last week which seeks to establish a Nigerian languages and cultures university to be named after the current president says alot about misplaced priority of the 10th National Assembly.
Ultimately, the decision to name a university after President Tinubu will be perceived as a symbol of the government’s priorities. However, will it be seen as a celebration of the president’s legacy, or a distraction from the country’s pressing challenges? Only time will tell.
This proposed university clearly aims to foster selfish political strategy and interest against the development of the people’s well-being. The proposed legislation, titled “A bill for an Act to establish the Bola Ahmed Tinubu federal university of Nigerian languages, Aba; to make comprehensive provisions for its management and administration; and for related matters,” passed first reading last week. It is sponsored by deputy speaker, Rep. Benjamin Kalu (APC, Abia) along with several co-sponsors including the chair media and ublicity, Rep. Akin Rotimi (APC, Ekiti).
The proposal to name a university after President Tinubu has sparked controversy, especially considering the current economic and security challenges facing Nigeria. Many argue that the country’s priorities should lie in addressing the pressing issues of hardship and insecurity rather than dedicating resources to naming institutions after individuals.
Some analysts see the proposal as a political move to boost President Tinubu‘s image and legacy, rather than addressing the nation’s pressing problems. Others argue that it’s a way to reward loyalty and strengthen political alliances ahead of 2027.
President Tinubu’s legacy as a politician and former governor of Lagos state is complex, with some crediting him for his contributions to education and infrastructure development during his tenure. However, others criticize his administration’s handling of economic and social issues, which they believe have contributed to the country’s current challenges.
Economic challenges and security concerns
Nigeria’s poverty rate remains alarming, with many citizens struggling to access basic necessities. The country faces rising inflation and unemployment rates, exacerbating economic hardship. Nigeria is grappling with ongoing security threats, including terrorism, banditry, and ethnic violence. Concerns about human rights abuses and restrictions on freedom of speech and assembly persist. In this context, naming a university after President Tinubu may be seen as tone-deaf or insensitive to the struggles of the Nigerian people. The focus should be on improving the lives of citizens rather than honoring individuals.
Following a post by instablog9ja on the aforementioned topic on their X (formerly Twitter) handle, Nigerians have been reacting with displeasure. “Every fund in Nigeria is for Tinubu, House of Rep, Senators, Judges, INEC Chairman, Ministers and his Aides, nothing left to improve the lives of the masses. They are happy that he is rubbing the masses to pay them millions and billions,” a user wrote.
Another user by the @Novmanii, said “Clearly, this reps lives in a different world with the masses cos if not, I don’t see how this would be a subject of discussion at all. Their interest doesn’t align with that of the masses, and its a shame how we keep on electing this set of people to represent us”
In a telephone interview with our OrderPaper, Auwal Musa Rafsanjani, the Executive Director of the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC), stated that the lawmakers’ initiative is merely an act of sycophancy and a misplaced priority, with no real benefit for the development of Nigerians.
“First and foremost, I want to say the National Assembly appears not to be in tandem with the issues facing Nigerians. The crisis of oil is going on, criminality is going on and what we expected the National Assembly to do is to focus on issues that can help to mitigate these problems. All the leaders that have their symbolic names on our national space, those names were done after they have left service but naming a leader while he is still in office that one is sycophancy. So for the National Assembly to be considering this, or whoever sent the bill whether it is an executive bill or private bill, the person does not understand that even doing this kind of thing will cause more embarrassment to the President. In trying to make it look as if he loves the President more or even trying to get favor from the President. This will not fly because Nigerians are going to attack this and many Nigerians see it as being irresponsible and insensitive or will not see it as a positive development for the university itself. I’m sure the National Assembly for some of them that are serious will not see this in good light but they will see it as ridiculing the President because had it been this was an executive bill one would have wondered. This is outrageous sycophancy and an attempt to get favour and not on the basis of any merit. This kind of honor is done to leaders when they leave office, not when they are still serving. A governor had named a place after Tinubu and look at the reaction of Nigerians. I think the Deputy Speaker is doing this just for his own personal lobbying.”
“This singular act is done based on personal interest. As a legislator, you must consult with your constituents on what you want to do before you bring in this kind of thing but who did he discuss with. As a legislator, not that you just wake up and begin to initiate things. That’s why you are the representative of the people, you need to consult and share this with the people you are representing but if not you can go ahead with this kind of things.”
