House Of Reps Passes Bill To Revert To Old National Anthem

The House of Representatives passed a bill on Thursday (today) to reinstate Nigeria’s old national anthem, “Nigeria we hail Thee.”

Naija News understands that the bill was swiftly passed through the first, second, and third readings within minutes.

The House Leader, Professor Julius Ihonvbere, emphasized the significance of viewing the national anthem as a symbol of authority and unity, advocating for a return to the old anthem “Nigeria, We Hail Thee”.

On the other hand, the Minority Leader, Kingsley Chinda, argued against the bill, citing the colonial connotations of the old anthem and questioning the necessity of changing it amidst pressing national issues. Despite the opposition, the bill was swiftly passed by the lawmakers.

Meanwhile, President Bola Tinubu on Thursday called for a review of the recently announced governing boards of tertiary institutions before the nominees’ inauguration and retreat.

Naija News recalls that the Ministry of Education last week released a list of governing councils for 111 federal tertiary institutions in the country.

The list contained names of technocrats, politicians and traditional rulers for 50 universities, 37 polytechnics, and 24 colleges of education.

The Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Education, Didi Esther Walson-Jack, released the statement containing the list, stating that the councils’ inauguration and retreat would be held on May 30 and 31, 2024.

The list, however, was rejected by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) and Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP), among others.

The Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, released a statement on Thursday saying Tinubu had ordered a 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 inauguration and retreat being planned for the nominees.

“The Federal Ministry of Education recently released names of nominees for chairmen, Pro-Chancellors, and members of the boards and councils of universities, Polytechnics, and colleges of education. It also announced that the inauguration and retreat for the nominees will take place on 31 May.

“However, public reactions showed that the nominations did not reflect the federal character of the country as some states got just one nomination, while some others got many. In directing a complete review of the list of members, President Tinubu acknowledges the feedback across the country.”