Students of the University of Abuja have rejected the Federal Government’s decision to rename the institution after former military leader Yakubu Gowon.
According to Minister Muhammad Idris, the Federal Executive Council approved the change at its final meeting in 2024. However, the students gathered at the main gate of the university with placards reading “We stand for UniAbuja” and “Solve the problem of hunger not the name UniAbuja”.
Comrade Nkem Silas of the Students Union Government (SUG) called on President Tinubu to reverse the decision, citing psychological concerns and plans to formally oppose the move.
Professor Jeremiah Wambe criticized the economic and legal complications of the name change, including the need to amend fundamental laws. Similarly, Comrade Adamu Abdulbasit, the President of AISA, argued that it undermines the identity of the university and suggested alternative projects such as the revival of the abandoned University of Science and Technology, Abajiro.