Jonathan abandons plan to rename UNILAG

The Federal Government has reversed its decision to rename the University of Lagos (UNILAG) as Moshood Abiola University.

The Vice-Chancellor of UNILAG, Professor Rahamon Ade Bello disclosed this during the University's Advancement Alumni cocktail/dinner held at Sheraton Hotel, Lagos on Saturday.

He said: 'I must inform you at this gathering that I have with me the letter from the Federal Ministry of Education on the instruction from the presidency that the Federal University of Lagos shall remain the University of Lagos.' He noted that what the alumni need to do is to ensure that the law that named the University of Lagos does not change.

He said: 'I make bold to say that since inception, UNILAG  has endeavour to live up to expectations of the funding fathers in providing a conducive teaching, learning and research environment so as to produce high quality graduates nationally and internationally.'

Rahamon pointed out that over the years, UNILAG has been identified as the most preferred university in Nigeria saying, it has consistently top the list of students seeking admission into universities as about 73 per cent yearly chose UNILAG as first choice.

Dignitaries at the meeting were Professor Wole Olanipekun SAN, former Pro-Chancellor, University of Ibadan, Mr John Momoh, owner of Channel Television, Former Minister of Transport, Dr Sekibo Abiye, Senator Ganiyu Solomon and Olorogun Sunny Kuku.

Others included Prof Duro Oni, DVC Management, UNILAG,  Dr Folashade Taiwo Ipaye, Registrar and Senator Ogunlewe Adeseye, Pro-Chancellor, University of Agriculture, Abeokuta.

On May 29, 2012, President Goodluck Jonathan during its democracy day broadcast renamed University of Lagos as Moshood Abiola University. The decision that triggered riot and condemnations amongst students, alumni of the institution and other stakeholders in education sector.