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In a move perceived to reflects a respect for history, the Federal Executive Council, on Monday, sanctioned the renaming of the University of Abuja to Yakubu Gowon University. The decision serves as a tribute to General Yakubu Gowon, whose tenure as Nigeria’s military head of state continues to influence the country’s trajectory.
The name change is seen as a step towards commemorating the contributions of individuals who have played crucial roles in shaping modern Nigeria.
After the Federal Executive Council’s last meeting for 2024 at the Aso Rock Villa in Abuja, Mohammed Idris, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, briefed State House correspondents on the decision.
Idris said, “The third item is that there is also a decision taken by the Federal Executive Council to rename the University of Abuja to honour elder statesman, General Yakubu Gowon.
“The University of Abuja will, henceforth, be called Yakubu Gowon University.
Read also: I’m Unaware You Begged Abacha For My Life – Obasanjo To Gowon
“Of course, the process will have to go to the National Assembly for all legislative work in that direction, but FEC has taken that decision to write to the National Assembly to change the name of the University of Abuja.”
Idris went on to announce that the Federal Executive Council would observe a recess from December 18, 2024, to January 6, 2025, a period during which no meetings will be held as part of the council’s end-of-year break.
Meanwhile, on several social media platforms, critics have questioned the rationale behind the name change, wondering if its full implications have been considered.
They specifically cited concerns about the alumni who will now be faced with certificates that no longer match the institution’s current name, potentially creating confusion or future complications.
