Students of the University of Abuja have expressed their strong opposition to the proposal to rename the institution after General Yakubu Gowon, the former Nigerian military ruler. The proposal, which was announced earlier this month, has sparked widespread protests and debates within the student community.
In a statement released by the University of Abuja Students’ Union, student leaders emphasized that the renaming of the school would be an attempt to erase critical aspects of Nigerian history and undermine the university’s identity. The students’ union outlined concerns regarding Gowon's military rule, especially the period during the Nigerian Civil War, a time marked by significant loss of life and disruption to the nation.
"We cannot, in good conscience, support the renaming of this prestigious institution after a figure who was associated with military dictatorship and the dark chapter of the Nigerian Civil War. This move disregards the need for accountability, justice, and reconciliation for those who suffered during that time," said Murtala Aliyu, the President of the University of Abuja Students’ Union. "Our university represents knowledge, progress, and a commitment to democratic values. Renaming it after a military leader would betray these ideals."
The students have called for a public forum to discuss the potential implications of the renaming, urging the Nigerian government and the university administration to listen to the voices of the students. They have also proposed an alternative approach: to honor historical figures who contributed to peacebuilding, human rights, and the democratic development of Nigeria.
In the wake of the protests, academic staff and faculty members have also voiced concerns, with many expressing that the renaming of the university should not be a decision driven solely by political interests, but rather one that aligns with the values and aspirations of the student body and broader society.