The House of Representatives passed a bill today to reinstate Nigeria’s old national anthem, “Nigeria We Hail Thee.” This decision came after the bill swiftly moved through the first, second, and third readings.
House Leader Professor Julius Ihonvbere highlighted the anthem’s importance as a symbol of authority and unity, advocating for its return. He emphasized, “The old anthem, ‘Nigeria We Hail Thee,’ embodies our national identity and unity.”
However, Minority Leader Kingsley Chinda opposed the bill, arguing that the old anthem carries colonial connotations and questioning the necessity of the change amidst pressing national issues. Despite the opposition, the bill passed quickly.
Tinubu Orders Review of Governing Councils List Following ASUU’s Rejection
In a related development, President Bola Tinubu has ordered a review of the recently announced governing boards of tertiary institutions before their inauguration and retreat. This comes after the Ministry of Education released a list of governing councils for 111 federal institutions, which included names of technocrats, politicians, and traditional rulers for universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education.
The announcement, made by Permanent Secretary Didi Esther Walson-Jack, stated that the councils’ inauguration and retreat would be held on May 30 and 31, 2024. However, the list was met with rejection from the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) and the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP), among others.
Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, released a statement confirming Tinubu’s directive for a comprehensive review of the list. He said, “President Bola Tinubu has directed a total and comprehensive review of the recently announced governing boards of tertiary institutions in Nigeria before the planned inauguration and retreat for the nominees. Public reactions indicated that the nominations did not reflect the federal character of the country, as some states received just one nomination while others received many. In directing a complete review, President Tinubu acknowledges the feedback across the country.”
