A New Dawn at Yakubu Gowon University: A Call to Unity and Excellence!

ABUJA, March 14, 2025 – Today, the hallowed grounds of the newly christened Yakubu Gowon University—formerly the University of Abuja—resounded with a clarion call to embrace a transformative vision for Nigeria’s future. The Acting Vice-Chancellor, Professor Patricia Manko Lar, stood tall and resolute as she addressed a vibrant delegation from the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), urging students, visitors, and all Nigerians to rally behind the bold decision by the President HE Bola Ahmed Tinubu to rename this citadel of learning after one of Nigeria’s greatest unifiers: General Yakubu Gowon. This is no mere name change, dear compatriots—it’s a rebirth, a reclamation of our national soul!

With the passion of a true daughter of Nigeria, Professor Lar painted a vivid picture of why this move is nothing short of providential. “Yakubu Gowon, a young general who rose to lead at a tender age, held this nation together when it teetered on the brink,” she declared, her voice brimming with conviction. “His immortal words, ‘No victor, no vanquish,’ were the glue that kept our embattled country from crumbling into chaos.” And then, with a flourish that stirred the patriot in us all, she unveiled the acronym that says it all: GOWON—Go On With One Nigeria! A square peg in a square hole, indeed! This is not just a name; it’s a mandate, a legacy etched in the blood and sweat of our unity!

The Vice-Chancellor didn’t stop at history—she brought it home. She reminded us that Yakubu Gowon University, once a battleground of challenges when she assumed leadership, is now poised for greatness. “This is the only university in Nigeria where, regardless of tribe or state, you can gain admission, secure employment, and rise to the pinnacle—yes, even to Vice-Chancellor—based solely on merit!” she thundered. Tribalism? Not here! This is a beacon of hope, a microcosm of the Nigeria we all yearn for—one where qualification trumps division. Professor Lar vowed to restore these sacred tenets, revealing that the Ministry of Education and the House of Representatives are already sealing the name change into law. Nigeria, take note: a new era beckons!

But the firebrand academic wasn’t done. She tackled the plight of the Students Union Government head-on, decrying the imposition of a parliamentary system that has stifled student leadership. “My administration is on a mission to restore the presidential system,” she pledged, “to nurture the future leaders of this great nation!” Oh, what a vision—to see the seeds of tomorrow’s giants planted today, right here in Abuja, the heartbeat of our federation!

Yes, challenges remain—Nigeria has them, and so does Yakubu Gowon University. But Professor Lar, with the steel of a nationalist and the wisdom of a scholar, insisted these are not insurmountable. Teaming up with the university’s finest minds—luminaries like Professors Obida Gobna W., David Philip, Lanre Aladeitan, and Dr. P. K. Columbus—she’s steering the ship toward calm waters, tackling the admission saga and restoring the institution’s glory. “We’re working with amazing lecturers, the best brains, to bring back the change Nigeria deserves!” she proclaimed.

To students, alumni, and all Nigerians, her message was clear: stop throwing stones from afar. “Come to the right source for answers,” she urged. “My doors are open—bring your voices, your pleas, to my table!” This is leadership that listens, a call to dialogue over discord. And as if to underscore her resolve, she hinted at an imminent reshuffle, with new officeholders soon to be unveiled—a promise of fresh blood to fuel this renaissance.

Reflecting on the NANS visit led by Comrade Olusola Oladoja, a familiar face from her University of Jos days, Professor Lar beamed with pride. “I’m happy he came,” she said, her warmth as evident as her determination. She thanked the students and delegates, lifting a prayer that Yakubu Gowon University would rise to become Nigeria’s finest—a crown jewel in our educational firmament.

Fellow Nigerians, this is more than a story—it’s a summons. Yakubu Gowon University stands as a testament to what we can achieve when we embrace unity, merit, and purpose. Let us heed Professor Lar’s call, rally behind this vision, and march forward as one Nigeria—unbroken, unbowed, and unstoppable! ✊🏼🇳🇬