Senate may reject Unilag name change

President Goodluck Jonathan has sent a letter to the Senate, asking it to approve the renaming of the University of Lagos (UNILAG).

The letter conveying the president request was read by the Senate President, David Mark, as the upper legislative chambers commenced its plenary sitting on Wednesday [June 6].

President Jonathan in the letter asked the Senate to approve the renaming of the following universities:

Federal University of Technology Umudike to Michael Okpara University, Umudike

Federal Univeristy of Technology, Yola to Modibbo Adamawa University

University of Lagos to Moshood Abiola University, Lagos (MAULAG)

The president’s request is coming on the heels of on-going outcry and protests over the renaming of UNILAG, after the late politician and business mogul, MKO Abiola.

The president in his address to the nation on Democracy day announced the change of name in recognition of the late’s politician struggle in birthing the nation’s democracy.

UNILAG students reacted to the renaming by three days of street protests, which included the shutting down of the longest bridge in Africa, the Third Mainland Bridge.

The students have also filed a suit against President Jonathan over the name change.

The alumni association of the institution has declared the renaming as unacceptable.

From Indications, some senators are also against the name change. There is a general belief that the request migt be thrown out or delayed indefinately