The Federal Executive Council has approved the renaming of the University of Abuja to Yakubu Gowon University in honor of Nigeria’s former military head of state, Yakubu Gowon.
According to Channels, the decision was announced by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, after FEC’s final meeting for 2024, held at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, on Monday.
The University of Abuja, established in January 1988 under Decree No. 110 (amended in 1992), is a dual-mode institution offering both conventional and distance learning programs. Academic activities began in 1990 with the matriculation of its pioneer students.
Yakubu Gowon, who served as Nigeria’s military leader from 1966 to 1975, now has the university renamed in recognition of his contributions to the nation.
In a related development, the Federal Government has approved free transportation nationwide to ease travel during the Christmas season.
According to Idris, free train services will be available across the country from December 20, 2024, to January 5, 2025.
Additionally, Idris confirmed that the FEC will go on recess from December 18, 2024, and resume on January 6, 2025.
