- Call for preservation of heritage and identity
- Demand National Assembly’s intervention to halt name change
The Abuja Indigenous Student Association (AISA) has strongly opposed the Federal Government’s decision to rename the University of Abuja as Yakubu Gowon University, describing the move as an erasure of the institution’s history and cultural heritage.
The announcement was made by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Muhammad Idris, during a press briefing after Monday’s Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting. The renaming honors former Head of State General Yakubu Gowon.
Students React Strongly
In a statement on Tuesday, AISA President Comrade Adamu Abdulbasit condemned the decision, emphasizing that the University of Abuja has long been a symbol of pride and identity for the people of Abuja and the nation at large.
“The University of Abuja is more than a name; it’s a reflection of the cultural and historical heritage of the Abuja people. Renaming it disregards its legacy and undermines the identity of the indigenous population,” Abdulbasit said.
He added that while Yakubu Gowon’s contributions to the nation are acknowledged, renaming a federal institution that serves all Nigerians could compromise its national character.
Call for Reversal
AISA has urged the National Assembly, the Federal Ministry of Education, and other relevant stakeholders to reject the proposed name change. The group also called on Nigerians to join the campaign to preserve the university’s original name and identity.
“We appeal to all well-meaning Nigerians to stand with us in protecting the legacy of the University of Abuja. This institution belongs to all Nigerians, and its name should remain a unifying symbol,” Abdulbasit stated.
The proposed renaming has sparked a nationwide debate, with many questioning the necessity of such a move at a time when education faces pressing challenges.
