President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the renaming of the University of Abuja to Yakubu Gowon University, in honor of the elder statesman and former Head of State,h General Yakubu Gowon.
The decision was announced by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, during a briefing at the Aso Rock Villa, Abuja, following the Federal Executive Council’s (FEC) final meeting for the year 2024.
The minister emphasized that the renaming is pending legislative confirmation by the National Assembly.
In his statement, Mohammed Idris said: “The Federal Executive Council has approved the renaming of the University of Abuja to Yakubu Gowon University in honor of General Yakubu Gowon. The decision will now be forwarded to the National Assembly for necessary legislative action to effect the name change officially.
About General Yakubu Gowon
General Yakubu Gowon served as Nigeria’s Head of State during the Nigerian Civil War (1967–1970) His leadership was instrumental in maintaining the unity of Nigeria during one of its most turbulent periods.
The decision to rename the university coincides with General Gowon’s recent celebration of his 90th birthday. Gowon became Head of State following the Coup and Counter-Coup of 1966, which led to the tragic deaths of several prominent Nigerian leaders, including:
– Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, Nigeria’s first Prime Minister
– Sir Ahmadu Bello, the Sardauna of Sokoto
– Samuel Ladoke Akintola, the Premier of the Western Region
– Festus Okotie-Eboh, Nigeria’s Minister of Finance
The renaming is a tribute to Gowon’s enduring contributions to the nation.
Renaming the University of Abuja to Yakubu Gowon University highlights the importance of honoring Nigeria’s historical leaders who played pivotal roles in shaping the country. This move also reflects President Tinubu’s commitment to preserving Nigeria’s rich history.
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