Historic Shift: UniAbuja Set to Become Yakubu Gowon University

The Federal Government, under President Bola Tinubu's leadership, has sanctioned the modification of the University of Abuja's name to Yakubu Gowon University, pending Senate ratification.

The institution's proposed new designation honors General Yakubu Gowon, the former Nigerian leader who recently marked his 90th birthday milestone. Gowon notably served as the nation's Head of State during the Nigerian Civil War period from 1967 to 1970.

Gowon's ascension to power followed the tumultuous events of 1966, marked by successive military takeovers that resulted in the tragic deaths of several prominent national figures. Among the casualties were Prime Minister Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, the Sardauna of Sokoto Sir Ahmadu Bello, Western Region's Samuel Ladoke Akintola, and Finance Minister Festus Okotie-Eboh.

The political upheaval of that period also claimed the lives of key military leaders, including Head of State General Aguiyi Ironsi, Colonel Adekunle Fajuyi, and several other high-ranking officers.