The University of Abuja Concerned Alumni Comrades has vehemently rejected the federal government’s proposal to rename the University of Abuja to Yakubu Gowon University, challenging the potential transformation of the institution’s identity and legacy.
On Monday, Minister of Information and National Orientation Mohammed Idris announced that the Federal Executive Council (FEC) had resolved to rename the university, subject to National Assembly approval.
However, the alumni group immediately responded with a strongly worded statement expressing deep opposition to the proposed change.
Coordinator Ogunwoye Samson, speaking on behalf of the group, emphasized that the proposed name change represents “an affront to our collective identity and history.”
The statement critically argues that renaming the university would fundamentally erode the institutional legacy carefully constructed over years by current students, faculty, and alumni.
“We believe that such a significant alteration should involve thorough consultation with all stakeholders, including students, faculty, alumni, and the broader community,” the group declared.
They stressed that the university’s current name embodies shared experiences and aspirations of its academic community.
The alumni group drew parallels with a previous successful resistance at the University of Lagos (UNILAG), positioning their opposition as a principled stand against what they perceive as governmental overreach.
They pledged to mobilize indigenous Abuja people, current students, and alumni to resist the name change “vigorously.”
Challenging the proposed renaming, the group outlined a comprehensive strategy of peaceful resistance.
“We will organise peaceful protests, awareness campaigns, and discussions to highlight our concerns regarding this proposed name change,” they stated, demonstrating a commitment to preserving the university’s institutional integrity.
The statement pointedly urged the Federal Government to “immediately reconsider this decision in favour of dialogue that respects our institution’s heritage.”
They argued that proceeding with the name change would fundamentally disregard the voices and sentiments of those most closely connected to the university.