Federal Executive Council yesterday approved the renaming of the University of Abuja as Yakubu Gowon University.
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, disclosed this to State House correspondents following the council’s last meeting for 2024 at the Aso Rock Villa, Abuja.
The University of Abuja also known as UNIABUJA was established in January 1988 under Decree No. 110 of 1992 as amended, as a dual-mode university with the mandate to run conventional and distance learning programmes.
The university started academic work in 1990 with the matriculation of its pioneer students.
Yakubu Gowon is Nigeria’s former military head of state. He ruled the country from 1966 to 1975.
“But FEC has taken that decision to write to the National Assembly to change the name of the University of Abuja to Yakubu Gowon University, in honour of the former head of state and elder statesman,” said Idris.
He also said the Council commended President Tinubu for his stewardship for the past 18 months and also reiterated the commitment of its members and support for his programmes and leadership.
Idris stated that FEC will be on recess from 18 of December until 6th of January 2025.