The Federal Government has approved the renaming of the University of Abuja to Yakubu Gowon University.
The decision was announced by Mohammed Idris, the minister of information, during the 14th council meeting of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
Speaking to journalists after the meeting, Idris explained that this step honours General Yakubu Gowon (retd), who recently marked his 90th birthday.
Proposal for Approval by the National Assembly
The minister confirmed that the proposal for the name change will be submitted to the national assembly.
This ensures the renaming process receives formal legislative backing and becomes legally binding.
Who Is Yakubu Gowon?
Yakubu Gowon served as Nigeria’s head of state from 1966 to 1975.
He became the country’s youngest leader at 31 after a counter-coup during a time of political upheaval.
Gowon is remembered for his leadership during the Nigerian civil war, which lasted from 1967 to 1970.
Leadership During the Civil War
The civil war erupted when the southeastern region attempted to secede.
Gowon’s administration adopted the slogan “to keep Nigeria one is a task that must be done” to maintain national unity.
After the war, he introduced the “no victor, no vanquished” policy to encourage reconciliation and began a reconstruction programme to rebuild the nation.
Contributions to Nigeria’s Development
Gowon’s tenure saw significant economic growth driven by an oil boom.
He used this revenue to launch large-scale infrastructure projects and expand access to education.
Gowon’s Life After Leadership
In 1975, Gowon was removed from office in a bloodless coup while attending an international summit.
He spent years in exile, furthered his education, and became a strong advocate for peace and unity.
History of the University of Abuja
The University of Abuja was established in 1988 as a dual-mode institution.
It offers both traditional and distance learning programmes to accommodate diverse student needs.
The renaming of the institution acknowledges Gowon’s contributions to Nigeria’s unity and development.
This decision reflects a desire to preserve his legacy for future generations.
