Alumni reject planned renaming of UniAbuja after Gowon

The University of Abuja’s Alumni Association has rejected the federal government’s plan to rename the institution after former Nigerian head of state Yakubu Gowon.

Earlier, the federal executive council approved the renaming of the University of Abuja (UniAbuja) to Yakubu Gowon University.

The move, the the council said, is in honour of Gowon under whose leadership Nigeria fought against secessionism in 1967.

In a statement, the UNiAbuja alumni association described the move to rename the institution as “a right step in the wrong direction”.

It cited concerns about the destruction of the university’s legacy, the financial costs, and logistical challenges.

While acknowledging Gowon’s contributions to national unity, the alumni argued that renaming the university would undermine its branding efforts, complicate administrative processes, and diminish its accumulated prestige.

The association proposed alternative ways to honour Gowon, such as renaming Eagle Square after him or establishing a new institution or research centre in his name.

Students at the University of Abuja have also voiced their opposition, staging a peaceful protest and launching an online petition that has garnered thousands of signatures.

The alumni association has submitted letters to President Bola Tinubu, the leadership of the national assembly, the minister of education, and the executive secretary of the National Universities Commission (NUC) to express their opposition and propose alternative solutions.

The association emphasised that the name “University of Abuja” reflects the institution’s geographical and national identity, symbolising the convergence of Nigeria’s diverse cultures and histories.

The alumni urged the government to focus on strengthening the university rather than renaming it, warning that the move could erode the sense of pride and identity among alumni, students, and staff.

The association also criticised the lack of consultation and public involvement in the decision-making process, describing it as a “top-down imposition”.