FROM “THE UNIVERSITY OF ABUJA” TO “YAKUBU GOWON UNIVERSITY” FIXING A SQUARE PEG IN A ROUND HOLE, by Isma’il Hussain Msheila
While the nation’s economy is still recovering from the cost of reverting to old national anthem—and the younger generation of Nigerians are still struggling to be swayed by the national euphoria, if any, in the old (new rather) anthem,—the president Tinubu led Federal Executive Council has decided to fire another missile at yet another over three decades old national legacy.
This time, the name “University of Abuja” will be the vanquished while “Yakubu Gowon University” becomes the victor. The situation is reminiscent of the proposed renaming of the University of Lagos to Moshood Abiola University in 2012, which faced widespread backlash and was eventually abandoned.
The 2012 controversy highlighted the emotional and practical challenges of renaming established institutions. While the intention behind the recent proposal may stem from a desire to honour a prominent figure in Nigerian history, it is important to carefully consider the broader implications in light of the University’s historical context, national identity, financial implications, and potential disruption to the university’s legacy and reputation.First, the name “University of Abuja” carries significant meaning, reflecting the institution’s geographical and national identity.
As the only federal university located in Nigeria’s capital, it symbolizes a connection to the heart of the nation. The name reminds us of the university’s role as a centre of learning and unity in a city that represents the convergence of Nigeria’s diverse cultures, ethnicities, and histories. Changing the name to “Yakubu Gowon University” risks alienating individuals who may not share the same reverence for the proposed namesake, potentially undermining the inclusive spirit that the current name fosters.Second, while Yakubu Gowon’s contributions to Nigeria’s history are notable, his legacy is not without controversy.
As a former military head of state, Gowon’s tenure is remembered for significant achievements, such as preserving Nigeria’s unity during the civil war and initiating the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC). However, his leadership also coincided with periods of authoritarian rule and contentious policies.
Associating a national university with a figure whose legacy is divisive could polarize opinions and detract from the institution’s primary mission of providing inclusive and unbiased education. Universities should be neutral spaces that welcome diverse perspectives rather than aligning with the legacy of a single individual, no matter how prominent.Third, the financial and administrative costs of renaming the university are considerable and difficult to justify in the current economic climate.
Changing the name would require rebranding official documents, signage, websites, promotional materials, and more. Additionally, updating academic records could lead to logistical complications for current students and alumni. These expenses and disruptions come at a time when Nigeria’s education sector is struggling with underfunding, infrastructural deficits, and inadequate resources for teaching and research. Redirecting scarce resources to a renaming exercise instead of addressing these pressing issues would be a misplacement of priorities.Furthermore, renaming the university could disrupt the legacy and reputation it has built over the years.
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Established in 1988, the University of Abuja has cultivated a distinct identity as a leading institution of higher learning in Nigeria. Its name carries brand value recognized locally and internationally. A sudden name change could confuse prospective students, international partners, and other stakeholders, potentially diminishing the university’s visibility and credibility.
The time and effort required to rebuild its reputation under a new name could hinder its growth and global standing.Fortunately for us, there are many alternative ways to celebrate Yakubu Gowon’s legacy without renaming the University of Abuja. For instance, the government could establish a new institution or research centre bearing his name, dedicate a significant building or facility within an existing university, or create scholarships and awards in his honour.
These measures would preserve the integrity of the University of Abuja’s identity while still recognizing Gowon’s contributions to Nigeria’s development. For example, instead of renaming the University of Lagos, the federal government alternatively honoured Moshood Abiola by naming the Abuja National Stadium after him.
This compromise preserved the university’s identity while still recognizing Abiola’s contributions. A similar approach could be adopted to honour Yakubu Gowon without altering the University of Abuja’s name.To reiterate my stance before lifting my pen, the proposed renaming of the University of Abuja to Yakubu Gowon University presents challenges that far outweigh any potential benefits. It undermines the institution’s symbolic connection to Nigeria’s capital, risks polarizing public opinion, incurs unnecessary financial and administrative burdens, and jeopardizes the university’s established legacy and reputation. I hereby call on our National Assembly to, instead of granting approval to the proposed move, redirect the effort towards a beneficial path.
A more thoughtful approach would be to explore alternative ways of honouring Yakubu Gowon that do not compromise the identity and mission of one of Nigeria’s premier institutions of higher learning. The University of Abuja should remain a beacon of unity, inclusivity, and academic excellence—values that resonate deeply with its current name.
Isma’il Husain Mshelia. A lecturer at the Department of Sociology, University of Abuja, mshelia.ismail@uniabuja.edu.ng 08188077841
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