President Bola Tinubu has approved the renaming of the University of Abuja in honor of former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon.

The renaming is, however, subject to confirmation by the National Assembly.

General Gowon, who served as Nigeria’s leader during the civil war from 1967 to 1970, recently marked his 90th birthday. He became Head of State following the 1966 coup and counter-coup that led to the deaths of key national leaders, including Prime Minister Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, Sardauna of Sokoto Sir Ahmadu Bello, Western Regional Leader Samuel Ladoke Akintola, and Finance Minister Festus Okotie-Eboh.

The coups also claimed senior military leaders, including then Head of State General Aguiyi Ironsi, Colonel Adekunle Fajuyi, and others.