President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declined assent to the bill seeking to establish a Federal University of Education in Numan, Adamawa State, citing inconsistencies in the legislation.
In a letter addressed to the Speaker of the House of Representatives and read by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu during Tuesday’s plenary, the President informed the House that he made the decision on December 23, 2024.
“According to Section 58(4) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), I hereby convey to the House of Representatives my decision to decline presidential assent to the Federal University of Education, Numan Establishment Bill 2024, recently passed by the National Assembly,” the letter stated.
Tinubu explained that the primary reason for his decision was the bill’s inconsistencies, specifically highlighting Section 22, which gives authority over the disposal of university land to the governor instead of the President, as required for federal government-owned land.
Following the letter, the House of Representatives adjourned plenary until Wednesday to honour the late Deputy Chief Whip, Adewunmi Oriyomi Onanuga, in accordance with the National Assembly’s traditions. In the chamber, her seat was draped with a white cloth as a mark of respect.
