The University of Abuja chapter of the Abuja Indigenous Student Association (AISA) has strongly opposed the proposal to rename the University of Abuja as Yakubu Gowon University.

According to reports by Daily Trust, Muhammad Idris, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, announced the renaming during a press briefing after the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting on Monday.

In a statement late Monday evening in Abuja, AISA President, Comrade Adamu Abdulbasit, voiced the concerns of the indigenous students, highlighting the potential negative impact of the name change.

He emphasized that the University of Abuja has long been a symbol of pride and identity for both the local community and the nation, arguing that altering its name would erase its history and diminish the cultural significance of the people of Abuja.

“Furthermore, we believe that renaming the university after a former head of state, however esteemed, is not in the best interest of the institution or the country. The University of Abuja is a federal university for all Nigerians, and its name should reflect its inclusive, national identity,” he stated.

The association has called on the National Assembly, the Ministry of Education, and other relevant stakeholders to reject the proposed name change and retain the University of Abuja’s original title.

Additionally, AISA urged all concerned Nigerians to support the campaign to preserve the name and legacy of their cherished institution.