by Hauwa Gambo
What kind of gift to President Goodluck Jonathan is this on the eve of the anniversary of Moshood Abiola’s stolen mandate?
Well, yesterday, the Senate of the University of Lagos finally spoke up and agreed with the students who rejected the now controversial change in name of the school to the Moshood Abiola University. The president had announced the change on May 29, 2012.
In addition, it resolved that the students – who had been sent home following week long protests two weeks ago. – should return to school on Monday.
“The university Senate also resolved that the proposed re-naming of the University of Lagos is not acceptable and is rejected in its entirety as it is a mere declaration of intention with no legal effect,” a statement from the body said. “The University of Lagos Senate supports all legal processes being carried out by all stakeholders on the subject.”
This comes after the Academic Staff Union of universities, the alumni association, and the former Pro-Chancellor of the school, Chief Afe Babalola had also rejected the new name.
It will be recalled that following the student protest, President Jonathan had doubled down and insisted that the change would go ahead – last week, he requested the approval of the country’s Senate and got it.
As it stands now, it’s Senate vs Senate.
Mr Jonathan got it all wrong again. First fuel subsidy removal now change of name for Unilag, what a policy somersault for a president within 6months. He should have a rethink or his IQ level should be reexamined.
He got the approval of the Senate to change the name?!
What sort of government do we have?!!!
UNILAG, and the city of Lagos, are at a loss if the name changes.
Why must you impose a name on the people of an institution if they do not want the name?
Sometimes, I wonder how some lawmakers think.
I strongly agreed with the decision of the senate, if mr president truly lake than name let him build another university and name it whatever he want!