Gowon Condemns Plans To Rename University Of Lagos

  

A former Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon, has added his voice to those condemning Federal Government's move to rename University of Lagos, popularly called UNILAG, situated in Akoka-Yaba, Lagos, western Nigeria.

It could be recalled that

President Goodluck Jonathan had during the 2012 Democracy Day renamed UNILAG after the late winner of the 1993 presidential election, Chief Moshood Abiola.

The name change attracted criticisms and litigation from many stakeholders before a court declared the President’s action as an illegality.

The university’s Chairman, Governing Council, Prof. Jerry Gana, during his inauguration in 2013, also said that the President had reversed the name change.

PUNCH reports that Gowon stated that nobody can change the name of the university, adding that he also assured members of the University of Lagos community that the name of the institution remains sacrosanct.

The one time Nigeria's Head of State made this statement on Tuesday, 10 June, 2014 during UNILAG’s 2012/2013 Batch A convocation where 36 of the 3,264 graduating students passed out with first class degrees.

While addressing the students, Gowon urged them to build on the reputation of the university and maintain its good name.

He also implored them to remain committed to the ideals of the institution, saying the university known for excellence has come to stay.

“No one can change the name of the university. You must improve yourselves to the glory of God, the university and the country at large. Ensure that you build good reputation and maintain the good name of the university,” Gen. Gowon was quoted.

He also enjoined them to endeavour to be self-employed in order to impact on humanity meaningfully.

Prior to Gowon's remarks, the Vice-Chancellor of UNILAG, Prof. Rahamon Bello, congratulated the graduating students on the successful completion of their studies.

He urged them to be good ambassadors of the university.

“As you leave the four walls of this university, it is your responsibility to promote the good image of the university. Identify with your Alma Mater and contribute your widow’s mite to the development of the university,” Prof. Bello stated.