On February 4, 2025, President Bola Tinubu rejected the Federal University of Education, Numan (Establishment) Bill, 2024.
The bill, passed by the National Assembly in 2024, faced significant scrutiny.
Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu read the president’s letter during a House of Representatives session, explaining the decision.
In his December 23, 2024 letter, President Tinubu highlighted multiple errors as reasons for withholding assent.
He specifically criticized Section 22, which incorrectly granted the governor authority over federal university land.
The president stressed that such powers must remain with the federal government, as per legal protocols.
Additionally, the letter pointed out typographical errors that could compromise the bill’s clarity.
For instance, “statutes” was misspelled as “statues,” and a preposition was omitted, creating ambiguity.
The term “one-third” was also incorrectly written as “on-third,” further emphasizing the need for precision in legislative drafting.
Following the announcement, the House of Representatives adjourned to honor Adewunmi Onanuga, the late deputy majority leader.
Lawmakers paid tribute to their colleague, reflecting the somber atmosphere in the chamber.
President Tinubu’s decision has sparked debates about the legislative process and the importance of accuracy in bill drafting.
Lawmakers now face the task of revising the bill to address the identified issues.
This development highlights the challenges in establishing educational institutions under proper legal frameworks.
The proposed university aimed to enhance teacher training and educational standards in Adamawa State.
However, the setback underscores the need for meticulous legislative processes to align with constitutional mandates.
As the government moves forward, stakeholders await a revised version of the bill.
The incident serves as a reminder of the critical role precision plays in shaping Nigeria’s educational and legal landscapes.