The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has expressed its approval of the Federal Government’s decision to rename the University of Abuja after General Yakubu Gowon (retd.), Nigeria’s former Head of State and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces.
In a statement issued in Kaduna on Tuesday, the ACF’s National Publicity Secretary, Professor Tukur Muhammad-Baba, lauded the honour bestowed upon General Gowon. He described him as “a nationalist of exceptional stature, an icon of Nigeria’s struggles for national unity, a man of great humility, a symbol of military professionalism, and a revered hero who gave his all to keep Nigeria united.”
“The Arewa Consultative Forum received the news with delight, honouring our Grand Patron and nationalist icon. General Gowon’s dedication to national unity, development, and education makes him a deserving national hero,” the statement read.
The ACF also expressed its joy that the honour comes on the occasion of General Gowon’s 90th birthday anniversary, calling the decision a fitting Christmas gift from the Federal Government to the amiable and charismatic General.
“That the Federal Government is, by this gesture, honouring such a deserving National Hero while he is still alive to savour the recognition is also most commendable,” the ACF added.
The Forum noted that General Gowon, who served as Nigeria’s Head of State from 1967 to 1975, played a pivotal role during the Nigerian Civil War and in the subsequent efforts for national reconciliation.
The ACF further urged the National Assembly to expedite the passage of the necessary legislation to formalise the renaming of the University of Abuja in honour of the former Head of State.
“The ACF commends the Federal Government for this befitting honour, especially on the heels of General Gowon’s 90th birthday anniversary. We urge the National Assembly to accelerate the passage of the necessary legislation to formalise the renaming,” the statement concluded.
