Tinubu Rejects Adamawa Federal Varsity Bill Over Land Disposal Clause

Tinubu Rejects Adamawa Federal Varsity Bill Over Land Disposal Clause

President Bola Tinubu has rejected the Federal University of Education Numan, Adamawa State (Establishment) Bill, 2024.

This decision was communicated through a letter to the House of Representatives, which was read on the floor by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu on Tuesday.

The bill, passed by the National Assembly earlier in 2024, was introduced by Binos Yaroe, the lawmaker representing Adamawa South Senatorial District. After passing through the Assembly, the bill was sent to President Tinubu for approval.

In the letter, Tinubu expressed concerns about Section 22 of the bill. This section gave the Adamawa State Governor the authority to manage land belonging to the proposed federal university.

The President made it clear that land issues related to federal properties, particularly universities, should fall under federal control.

“According to Section 58(4) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as amended, I am informing the House of Representatives about my decision, made on December 23, 2024, to withhold assent to the Federal University of Education, Numan Establishment Bill, 2024,” the letter stated.

The letter continued, “I am rejecting the bill because Section 22 wrongly grants land disposal authority to the state governor instead of the President, who has the rightful authority over federal property.”

Last week, during a stakeholders’ meeting in Mayo-Belwa Local Government Area of Adamawa, Yaroe clarified that the President did not reject the bill entirely. He explained that Tinubu pointed out certain clerical errors within the bill.

“The President only raised issues with the bill, pointing out that it did not align with the constitution. For example, we mistakenly gave land authority to the governor instead of the President. We will correct this by updating the bill to reflect that the President, not the governor, should have control over the university’s land,” Yaroe explained.

As the discussion continues, the House of Representatives has adjourned until Wednesday, February 5, 2025, in tribute to the late Deputy Whip, Adewunmi Onanuga. Onanuga, aged 59, represented Ikenne/Sagamu/Remo North Federal Constituency, Ogun State. He also chaired the House Committee on Women Affairs during the 9th Assembly. Onanuga passed away on January 15, 2025.

The Federal University of Education Numan, once established, is expected to be a landmark educational institution in Adamawa State. The proposed university has been a topic of interest in the region, and its future depends on addressing the issues raised by President Tinubu.

Yaroe and other lawmakers from Adamawa State are now working to resolve the concerns raised by the President and hope to bring the bill back for reconsideration with the necessary amendments.

The rejection of the bill has stirred discussions on the proper handling of land matters relating to federal government institutions. This decision highlights the ongoing need for alignment with constitutional procedures, especially when it comes to federal property rights.

Tinubu’s move is seen as a reminder of the delicate balance of power between state and federal governments in Nigeria, particularly regarding land ownership and control. As the country continues to develop, ensuring that federal institutions are governed by proper legal frameworks is critical for maintaining transparency and accountability.

The federal government’s stance on this issue emphasizes the importance of proper checks and balances in the legislative process. It also underscores the need for lawmakers to review bills thoroughly to avoid such legal discrepancies.

While the bill has faced setbacks, it remains a vital part of the conversation surrounding higher education in Adamawa State. If passed, the Federal University of Education Numan would provide new opportunities for students and contribute to the region’s educational development.

However, the controversy surrounding land management may delay the bill’s progress. It is unclear when the amended bill will return to the National Assembly for final approval. Nonetheless, stakeholders remain optimistic that the issue will be resolved quickly, allowing the university’s establishment to move forward.

The next few weeks are crucial for the future of the Federal University of Education Numan. With efforts underway to amend the bill, all eyes will be on the National Assembly and the presidency to see how they address the legal issues raised.