Tinubu Proposes Reforms for Education and Justice Systems
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has submitted two executive bills to the House of Representatives aimed at reforming Nigeria’s tertiary education sector and its criminal justice system. However, he declined to give his assent to two amendment bills passed by the National Assembly due to constitutional and drafting concerns.
Details of Legislative Proposals
The legislative proposals were outlined in four separate letters presented by Speaker Rt. Tajudeen Abbas during a session in the House of Representatives. The proposed bills for reform are the National Higher and Secondary Education Commission (Amendment) Bill, 2026, and the Criminal Justice Management Bill, 2026. The bills that did not receive the president’s signature are the Nigeria Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply Management (Amendment) Bill, 2026, and the Raw Materials Research and Development Council (Amendment) Bill, 2026.
Strengthening Education Management
In a letter accompanying the National Higher Secondary Education Commission (NSSEC) Amendment Bill, President Tinubu emphasized that the bill is designed to enhance the management, governance, and funding frameworks for public higher secondary education across Nigeria. He noted that the bill gained approval from the Federal Executive Council on April 30, 2026, before undergoing legal scrutiny and draft review by the Federal Ministry of Justice.
Enhancing the Criminal Justice System
The Administration of Criminal Justice Bill, 2026, seeks to repeal the previous Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) of 2015 and replace it with a comprehensive legal framework intended to tackle persistent procedural and institutional challenges within Nigeria’s criminal justice system. The proposed legislation aims to improve the efficiency of criminal justice institutions, expedite judicial processes, and safeguard the rights of suspects, defendants, and victims alike.
Addressing Systemic Deficiencies
President Tinubu highlighted that the new bill would address significant shortcomings under the existing 2015 law, such as delays in criminal investigations, inadequate technological integration in legal proceedings, and ineffective coordination among judicial branches. Key reforms include the establishment of a national sex offender registry and a witness assistance fund, along with an expedited arraignment process through written statements.
Concerns Over Withdrawal of Assent
Despite acknowledging some positive aspects of the Nigeria Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply Management (Amendment) Bill, 2026, President Tinubu declined to sign the bill due to constitutional and legal inconsistencies. He criticized provisions that aimed to grant the Institute undue regulatory authority, which he argued went beyond its established powers. The president asserted that the Institute cannot impose obligations on independent organizations nor initiate legal actions against non-members.
Issues with the Raw Materials Council Bill
Tinubu also withheld assent for the Raw Materials Research and Development Council (Amendment) Bill 2026, citing fundamental deficiencies and structural inconsistencies in its draft. He noted that the bill failed to adequately reflect its core purpose and contained several drafting errors that must be corrected prior to consideration for assent.
Continued Engagement with the National Assembly
These moves reflect the administration’s ongoing commitment to engaging with the National Assembly to drive critical reforms while emphasizing the importance of constitutional compliance and sound legislative practices. The proposed changes in both the education and justice sectors indicate an ambition to modernize Nigeria’s governance frameworks and align them with best practices on an international scale.
