The Federal Government has revealed that why the University of Abuja was renamed after Yakubu Gowon, a former Head of State.
Dockaysworld reports that on Monday, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, said that the Federal Executive Council (FEC) has resolved to rename the university.
He noted, however, that the move would require the approval of the National Assembly.
But the proposed renaming has been rejected by various groups and stakeholders.
A group, University of Abuja Concerned Alumni Comrades noted that the renaming of the university would erode the legacy and identity built by the university over the years.
Others also expressed opposition to renaming the university after Yakubu Gowon, over his role as a leader during the Nigerian Civil War, a conflict that resulted in loss of lives.
Critics argued that such an honour overlooks the painful memories associated with that period of the nation’s history.
But on Tuesday, the Federal Government said the renaming is due to Gowon’s invaluable contributions to Nigeria’s unity and his commitment to upholding true federalism.
A statement signed by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, Dr. Nasir Sani Gwarzo, stated that as a renowned statesman, Gen. Gowon played a pivotal role in shaping the country’s history.
The Federal Ministry of Education will proceed to prepare the necessary documents to change the University’s Act, which will be forwarded to the National Assembly for formal approval.
The statement reads, “The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved the renaming of the University of Abuja to Yakubu Gowon University, Abuja, in honour of the former Head of State and elder statesman, retired General Yakubu Gowon.
“This historic decision was made during yesterday’s (Monday, 16 December, 2024) FEC meeting, presided over by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR. 2.
“The renaming is a testament to General Gowon’s invaluable contributions to Nigeria’s unity and his commitment to upholding true federalism.
“As a renowned statesman, General Gowon played a pivotal role in shaping the country’s history.
“The Federal Ministry of Education will proceed to prepare the necessary documents to change the University’s Act, which will be forwarded to the National Assembly for formal approval.
“This marks the beginning of a new chapter for the institution, solidifying its legacy as Yakubu Gowon University.
“‘The Federal Executive Council’s decision to rename the University of Abuja to Yakubu Gowon University is a fitting tribute to General Gowon’s unwavering dedication to Nigeria’s unity and progress”.
