The Federal Executive Council on Monday approved the renaming of the University of Abuja as Yakubu Gowon University.
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, disclosed this to State House correspondents following the council’s last meeting for 2024 at the Aso Rock Villa, Abuja.
The University of Abuja also known as UNIABUJA was established in January 1988 under Decree No. 110 of 1992 as amended, as a dual-mode university with the mandate to run conventional and distance learning programmes.
The university started academic work in 1990 with the matriculation of its pioneer students.
Yakubu Gowon is Nigeria’s former military head of state. He ruled the country from 1966 to 1975.
Also during the address by the Minister, he disclosed that President Bola Tinubu has approved free transportation nationwide ahead of Christmas celebration.
He said the Federal Government will commence a nationwide free train services from the 20th of December to 5th of January 2025.
Idris stated that FEC will be on recess from 18 of December until 6th of January 2025.