Renaming the University of Abuja to Yakubu Gowon University: A Misguided Honour

As I ponder the proposal to rename our beloved University of Abuja to Yakubu Gowon University, I am reminded of the wise words of our great Nigerian writer, Wole Soyinka: "A tiger does not proclaim its tigritude, it acts." In this case, the action of renaming our university after General Yakubu Gowon is a misguided honour that undermines the very fabric of our institution.

First and foremost, the University of Abuja represents a symbol of national unity and diversity, reflecting our country's commitment to accessible higher education across all regions. Changing the name could undermine this foundational purpose and shift the focus from the collective national identity it represents. As students of this great institution, we reject any attempt to alter the name that has come to represent our shared values and aspirations.

Furthermore, renaming the university would lead to a loss of institutional identity. The University of Abuja has developed a distinct identity over the decades, with a rich history, reputation, and academic culture. A name change could lead to confusion among students, alumni, and international partners, complicating the university's branding, marketing, and reputation. We cannot afford to sacrifice our hard-earned reputation on the altar of political expediency.

Additionally, renaming the university sets a dangerous precedent for future name changes. If we allow this to happen, we risk opening the floodgates for future proposals to rename other institutions in honour of various politicians or leaders. This could lead to a proliferation of renaming efforts, many of which may not be universally accepted or beneficial to the institutions. We must be mindful of the long-term consequences of our actions.

The financial and administrative costs of renaming the university are also a significant concern. Changing the name would involve significant expenses, including the replacement of signage, academic materials, websites, stationery, and other branding elements. These expenses would be better spent on improving the university's infrastructure, faculty, and student services, which would have a more direct impact on the quality of education provided.

Finally, renaming the university should ideally be part of a broader, inclusive educational policy that takes into account our country's historical, cultural, and educational needs. Without a national framework to guide such decisions, the change could be perceived as arbitrary, driven by personal or political motives rather than our country's educational priorities.

In conclusion, while General Yakubu Gowon's contributions to Nigeria are notable, renaming the University of Abuja may not be in the best interest of our university or our country. We, the students of the University of Abuja, reject the proposal to rename our institution to Yakubu Gowon University. Instead, we propose that honouring prominent figures can be achieved through other means, such as establishing memorials, scholarships, or academic chairs in their names, or even building a new university and naming it after them. Let us preserve the name that has come to represent our collective identity and aspirations.