President Tinubu cited procedural and typographical errors for withholding assent to the creation of the university in Numan, Adamawa State
President Bola Tinubu has outlined the reasons behind his decision to withhold assent to the establishment of the Federal University of Education, Numan (establishment) bill, 2024
The bill, which was sponsored by Senator Binos Yaroe (PDP Adamawa South), was passed by the National Assembly in 2024 and forwarded to the President for approval.
The legislation was first introduced during the 9th National Assembly, where it passed in the Senate but was not assented to by former President Muhammadu
Tinubu’s explanation was contained in a letter personally signed and addressed to the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Tajudeen Abbas (APC Kaduna).
The letter was read on the floor of the House during plenary on Tuesday by Deputy Speaker, Rep. Benjamin Kalu (APC Abia), who presided over the session. It was titled: “Presidential Decision to Decline Assent to the Federal University of Education Numan Establishment Bill, 2024”
In the letter, President Tinubu cited fundamental errors in the bill, particularly ambiguities in Section 22, which assigns the authority to consent to land disposal to the governor instead of the president, as ought to be the case in respect of land belonging to a federal government entity (in the case of universities).
Additionally, the President’s letter pointed out typographical errors in the proposed law, the word “statutes” was wrongly spelled as “statues” in items 13 and 15 of the proposed law under arrangement of sections.
He also informed that the use of ‘the preposition “of” is clearly omitted between the word “award” and “degree” in section 25(4)(b) of the bill.
President Tinubu also declined endorsement of the expected legislation because of the phrase “one-third” which according to him is wrongly spelled as “on-third” in article 4(3) of the third schedule to the bill.
Citing these errors, the President informed lawmakers that his decision was made in accordance with Section 58(4) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended). His formal communication to the House of Representatives was dated December 23, 2024.
