By: Bayero Ade
Students of the University of Abuja have strongly opposed the federal government’s decision to rename the institution after former military leader Yakubu Gowon.
The Federal Executive Council approved the renaming on Monday, as confirmed by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, during a briefing at the Aso Rock Villa in Abuja following the council’s final meeting of 2024.
In response, students gathered at the university’s main gate on Thursday, protesting the decision. They carried placards with slogans such as “The voice of men is the voice of God,” “We stand for UniAbuja,” and “Solve hunger problems, not renaming UniAbuja.”
Comrade Nkem Silas, spokesperson for the Students Union Government (SUG), appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to reconsider the decision, citing potential negative psychological effects on students. The SUG also plans to submit a formal letter to the Federal Ministry of Education through the university’s Vice Chancellor, formally rejecting the name change.
Prof. Jeremiah Vambe, an alumnus and member of the university’s Department of Public Administration, joined the students in expressing concern. He highlighted the economic, legal, and psychological implications, particularly the need to amend the law that established the university. “The legal implication is that they will have to amend the law establishing the university by changing the name from University of Abuja to Yakubu Gowon University,” he explained.
Comrade Adamu Abdulbasit, President of the Abuja Indigenous Students Association (AISA), argued that renaming the university would erase its historical identity. He instead proposed completing the long-delayed University of Science & Technology in Abaji and renaming it after Ladi Kwali, a prominent figure in Nigerian history.
Leave a Reply