The University of Abuja chapter of the Abuja Indigenous Student Association (AISA) has expressed opposed the proposed change of name of the University of Abuja to Yakubu Gowon University.
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Muhammad Idris, while addressing journalists after the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting on Monday, announced the renaming of the university after the former Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon (rtd).
However, President of AISA, Comrade Adamu Abdulbasit, while reacting to the development, said the indigenous students of Abuja are deeply concerned about the implications of this proposed change.
He said the University of Abuja has been a symbol of pride and identity for the people of Abuja and the nation as a whole, arguing that changing its name would not only erase its history but also undermine the indigenes’ cultural heritage.
He said: “We believe that renaming the university after a former head of state, no matter how distinguished, is not in the best interest of the institution or the nation. The University of Abuja is a federal institution that belongs to all Nigerians, and its name should reflect its national character.”
The association, therefore, called on the National Assembly, the Federal Ministry of Education, and other relevant stakeholders to reject the proposed change of name and uphold the original name of the university.
