Mufwang, Sani…top figures who applauded FG’s move to rename UniAbuja
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The Federal Executive Council’s (FEC) recent decision to rename the University of Abuja after former military ruler Yakubu Gowon has sparked a wave of reactions from prominent figures across Nigeria.
This decision was disclosed by the Minister of Information, Mohammed Idris, on Monday after the FEC meeting presided over by President Bola Tinubu.
Mr. Idris said the decision to honour Yakubu Gowon as an elder statesman still needs the approval of the National Assembly.
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According to him, “FEC has taken that decision to write to the national assembly to change the name of the University of Abuja to Yakubu Gowon University, in honour of the former head of state and elder statesman.”
This move by the federal government to honour national icons has generated commendation and disdain and also connotes a broader implication for the country.
Among those who applauded the move are Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang, Senator Shehu Sani, and other influential voices in politics and academia.
Governor Caleb Mutfwang, a vocal advocate for educational development and cultural preservation, commended the federal government for the renaming of UniAbuja.
He said that the renaming is a profound honour, not only to Gen. Gowon but also to his birthplace, Plateau State.
He further stated that Yakubu Gowon is deserving of such honour by highlighting the selfless and exceptional service the former head of state displayed, which shaped Nigeria’s unity and development.
Senator Shehu Sani, known for his outspoken views on governance and national issues, also lent his support to the government’s decision. In a statement shared on his Twitter (X) channel, he said:
After renaming the University of Abuja, FEC should spare time and visit that university and see how its facilities can be upgraded and provide them with enough gadgets to secure their vast undeveloped land mass.
The renaming of the University of Abuja is more than just a cosmetic change. It carries profound symbolism and serves as a tool of legacy.
On the other hand, some critics argue that the renaming of institutions does little to address the challenges facing Nigeria’s education sector, such as inadequate funding, infrastructure decay, and poor staff welfare. They contend that the government’s priority should be fixing systemic issues rather than renaming schools.
About the University of Abuja
The University of Abuja was established in January 1988. It operates three colleges, namely: College of Arts and Education; College of Law, Management, and Social Sciences; and College of Science and Agriculture.
According to the university website, it is the first university to run a dual mode of conventional and distance learning academic programs.
The university currently has nine faculties, the College of Health Sciences, a School of Remedial Studies, a Centre for Distance Learning, an Institute of Education, and a School of Postgraduate Studies.
It has released many graduates from different departments into the country and elsewhere. Its current vice chancellor is Professor Aisha Sani Maikudi.
In conclusion, the move to rename Uniabuja by the president is a significant decision that is symbolic and raised a lot of debates in the country.
