The University of Abuja’s Alumni Association has rejected the federal government’s plan to rename the institution after former Nigerian head of state Yakubu Gowon.

Earlier, the federal executive council approved the renaming of the University of Abuja (UniAbuja) to Yakubu Gowon University.

The move, the council said, is in honour of Gowon under whose leadership Nigeria fought against secessionism in 1967.

In a statement, the UNiAbuja alumni association described the move to rename the institution as “a right step in the wrong direction”.

It cited concerns about the destruction of the university’s legacy, the financial costs, and logistical challenges.

While acknowledging Gowon’s contributions to national unity, the alumni argued that renaming the university would undermine its branding efforts, complicate administrative processes, and diminish its accumulated prestige.

The association proposed alternative ways to honour Gowon, such as renaming Eagle Square after him or establishing a new institution or research centre in his name.

Students at the University of Abuja have also voiced their opposition, staging a peaceful protest and launching an online petition that has garnered thousands of signatures.

The alumni association has submitted letters to President Bola Tinubu, the leadership of the national assembly, the minister of education, and the executive secretary of the National Universities Commission (NUC) to express their opposition and propose alternative solutions.

The association emphasised that the name “University of Abuja” reflects the institution’s geographical and national identity, symbolising the convergence of Nigeria’s diverse cultures and histories.

The alumni urged the government to focus on strengthening the university rather than renaming it, warning that the move could erode the sense of pride and identity among alumni, students, and staff.

The association also criticised the lack of consultation and public involvement in the decision-making process, describing it as a “top-down imposition”.

Kano State Governor, Abba Yusuf, has donated N2 million to Mu’assasatu Balarabe Bello Hamza Islamic School, located on Sokoto Road in the state capital.

The donation was announced during the Qur’anic graduation ceremony of 13 students held on Sunday at the school premises.

Represented by the Commissioner for Education, Ali Haruna Makoda, the governor highlighted the significance of learning the Holy Qur’an and applying its teachings in daily life.

He congratulated the graduating students, their parents, and teachers on the milestone and encouraged them to expand their knowledge beyond religious studies.

A press statement issued by the Director of Public Enlightenment at Kano Government House, Usman Gwadabe, revealed that certificates were presented to the 13 graduates during the event.

Speaking at the occasion, the Head Teacher, Mallam Jamilu Yusha’u, stated, “The school was named after the late Balarabe Bello Hamza, who established the school for special extra lessons for children during the holidays.”

However, he prayed to the Almighty Allah to forgive him and reward him for the good work he did for the benefit of humanity.

In his remarks, the Director-General of Protocol, Kano Government House, Alhaji Abdullahi Ibrahim Rogo, who delivered the vote of thanks on behalf of the parents and the school authorities appreciated Yusuf’s good gesture for the “donations and for his administration’s readiness toward improving the educational sector in the state.”

The Vice-Chancellor, Osun State University, Professor Clement Adebooye, has mandated the institution’s fresh students to apply for Federal Government student loan anchored by the National Education Loan Fund, NELFUND.

This is as he disclosed that the university could only admit 11,000 students out of the 30,000 that applied for the 2024 academic session.

Speaking at the 18th Matriculation ceremony held at the Olagunsoye Oyinlola Auditorium at the main campus in Osogbo on Friday, he assured the newly admitted students of the timely completion of their courses of study.

He disclosed that the FG loan scheme would make learning easy for the new students due to the ongoing economic crisis in the country; hence, new students must apply for the loan.

His words, “I must also seize this opportunity to announce to you the opportunity for student loans provided by the Federal Government through NELFUND. As this is an intervention to cushion the effect of economic hardship on students, the management of this institution has decided that every new student must apply and access it to further make student life easy for you”.

He charged the newly admitted students to work tirelessly to achieve academic progression, saying they are among the few lucky ones to gain admission.

“It will interest you all to note that well over 30,000 candidates applied for admission into the university this year. Of this lot, we are only able to admit 11,000 (approximately one-third) into the various academic programmes across colleges and campuses. Though this means you are among the very lucky few admitted, it also shows you have all it takes to be undergraduates in any Nigerian university.

“But then, you all have to note for your all-time guidance that it is not everyone that starts any race that usually completes the race. The race in this context is competence building and knowledge acquisition, which come with regular lectures, assignments, tests, examinations, and character moulding all through your residency here.

“In this esteemed institution, we uphold the values of integrity, discipline, and moral uprightness. Social vices such as examination malpractice, cultism, indecent dressing, drug abuse, sexual harassment, and truancy are strongly condemned,” he added.