By Jemimah Wellington, JKNewsMedia Reporter
THE FEDERAL Executive Council (FEC) has approved the renaming of the University of Abuja to Yakubu Gowon University in honour of the former Nigerian military head of state.
Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, disclosed this after the council’s final 2024 meeting held at the Aso Rock Villa, Abuja.
According to Idris, the renaming celebrates General Yakubu Gowon (retd) for his contributions to Nigeria’s unity and development, particularly as he recently marked his 90th birthday.
Gowon, Nigeria’s youngest leader at age 31, served as head of state from 1966 to 1975, steering the nation through the Civil War and initiating policies like “no victor, no vanquished” to heal divisions post-war.
The Minister confirmed that the proposal for the name change will be forwarded to the National Assembly for formal approval to ensure its official recognition.
Established in 1988, the university offers both conventional and distance learning programmes, fulfilling its dual-mode mandate to cater to a diverse student population.
In addition, the Federal Government has announced free nationwide train services from 20th December 2024 to 5th January 2025 to ease travel during the festive season.
This initiative, approved by President Bola Tinubu, aims to reduce transportation costs and enhance the mobility of Nigerians during Christmas celebrations.
Idris further noted that the Federal Executive Council will proceed on recess from 18th December 2024 to 6th January 2025, marking the end of the year for the council’s activities under President Tinubu’s administration.
“Yakubu Gowon remains a revered figure in Nigeria’s history, known for preserving the nation’s territorial integrity during turbulent times and leveraging the oil boom of the 1970s to fuel economic growth and expand infrastructure. His legacy continues to inspire national unity and progress,” Idris stated.
