Jonathan Sends Bill On Moshood Abiola University To Senate

ABUJA, June 04, (THEWILL) - An insistent President Goodluck Jonathan on Wednesday made moves to consolidate the renaming of the University of Lagos as Moshood Abiola, University, Lagos, when he formally presented a bill to the Senate, seeking its endorsement.

Also included in the bill are requests for the renaming of the Federal University of Agriculture, Umudike, as Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike; and the Federal University of Technology, Yola, as Modibbo Adama University of Technology, Yola.

The covering letter of the bill titled, Bills for Acts to Rename Three Universities, which was read by president of the Senate, David Mark at plenary stated thus:

“I forward herewith, for your kind consideration and passage into law, the attached Bills for Acts to rename three Federal Universities as indicated below:

“Federal University of Agriculture, Umudike to Micheal Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike; Federal University of Technology, Yola to Modibbo Adama University of Technology, Yola. University of Lagos to Moshood Abiola University, Lagos.

“It is my hope that the Distinguished Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria will consider and pass these Bills in your usual expeditious manner.”

Jonathan’s Democracy Day renaming of UNILAG sparked protests by students of the university, eventually leading to its closure. Management and alumni and alumnae are also known to oppose the action, particularly the president’s failure to consult with the authorities before announcing the decision.