Tinubu Renames University of Abuja to Yakubu Gowon University

The Federal Government has officially approved the renaming of the University of Abuja to Yakubu Gowon University. This announcement was made by Mohammed Idris, the Minister of Information, following the 14th council meeting under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

Formal Legislative Backing

The minister highlighted that the proposal for the renaming would be submitted to the National Assembly. This step ensures the process receives the necessary legislative approval and becomes legally binding.

Who is Yakubu Gowon?

General Yakubu Gowon (retd.) served as Nigeria’s Head of State from 1966 to 1975. At the age of 31, Gowon became the nation’s youngest leader following a counter-coup during a period of political unrest.

Leadership During the Civil War

Gowon is widely recognized for his leadership during the Nigerian Civil War (1967–1970).

His administration promoted the slogan “to keep Nigeria one is a task that must be done”, emphasizing the importance of national unity.
After the war, Gowon introduced the “no victor, no vanquished” policy, which fostered reconciliation and initiated national reconstruction.

Contributions to Nigeria’s Growth

Under Gowon’s leadership, Nigeria experienced significant economic progress fueled by the oil boom. Key achievements included:

Launching large-scale infrastructure projects.
Expanding access to education across the country.

Post-Leadership Contributions

Following his removal from office in a bloodless coup in 1975, Gowon spent years in exile, pursuing further education and dedicating his life to advocating peace and national unity.

The University of Abuja – A Brief History

Founded in 1988, the University of Abuja operates as a dual-mode institution, offering both traditional and distance learning programmes. It remains a prominent hub for higher education in Nigeria, serving a diverse student population.

Honouring a Legacy

The renaming of the University to Yakubu Gowon University serves as a tribute to his unwavering contributions to Nigeria’s unity, development, and post-war reconciliation. This decision not only preserves Gowon’s legacy but also reflects the nation’s recognition of his enduring impact on its history.

Post Views: 164

Stay updated with the latest student resources and insights from My School Portal! Subscribe to our newsletter for fresh content delivered straight to your inbox—no spam, just value 😊