UniAbuja Students Reject Government’s Decision to Rename School After Yakubu Gowon

The student body of the University of Abuja (UniAbuja) has voiced their strong opposition to the Federal Government’s recent move to rename their institution after former military leader Yakubu Gowon.

The Federal Executive Council approved the name change at its last meeting of 2024, as confirmed by Minister Mohammed Idris. In response, students gathered at the main university gate, holding placards with powerful messages like “We stand for UniAbuja” and “Solve hunger problems, not renaming UniAbuja.” They argue that the focus should be on addressing national issues rather than changing the university’s name.

Comrade Nkem Silas of the Students Union Government (SUG) called on President Tinubu to overturn the decision, raising concerns about the psychological impact on the student body and vowing to formally oppose the change.

The opposition isn’t limited to students. Professor Jeremiah Vambe, a UniAbuja alumnus, highlighted the legal and financial complications of the renaming, including the need to alter foundational laws. Comrade Adamu Abdulbasit, President of AISA, also joined the protest, stating the name change would damage the university’s identity. He proposed that the government should instead focus on more meaningful projects, such as reviving the abandoned University of Science & Technology in Abaji.