Wrong way to honour a hero .
Thursday, 31 May 2012 00:00 Editor Opinion - Editorial .User Rating: / 7


PRESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan’s decision to rename the University of Lagos to Moshood Abiola University, though apparently well-intentioned, is misguided and irredeemably wrong. Borne out of insufficient thought and lacking the rigour required for such initiative, the name change undermined the iconic nature of both the late Chief Abiola, as well as that of the university. In effect, the result is a disastrous substitution of one greatness for another. It is not surprising that the decision has provoked intense reaction that has led to a partial and temporary closure of the university. The president should not only rethink the action, but return to status quo and choose a more befitting way to honour the renowned politician.

In his Democracy Day broadcast two days ago, President Goodluck Jonathan said, among other things, that the University of Lagos (UNILAG) will be renamed Moshood Abiola University. The president said that the Federal Government was recognising Chief M.K.O. Abiola for “making the ultimate sacrifice in pursuit of justice and truth.” According to the president, “Destiny and circumstances conspired to place upon his (Abiola’s) shoulders a historic burden, and he rose to the occasion with character and courage.”

The president’s pronouncement has produced a major controversy. While some say that the name change was proper, an overwhelming majority, including students and workers of the University of Lagos, parents and alumni have condemned the decision, saying it did no justice to the character and courage for which the late Abiola is being honoured. Placard-carrying students of the institution have taken to the streets for two consecutive days, disrupting traffic and shutting down parts of the city of Lagos. The school’s alumni have also come out in paid messages to denounce the action.

There is no question that Chief Moshood Abiola is an iconic figure in the country’s march to democracy. In his lifetime, he was a generous donor to several causes. He was particularly keen on sports and was renowned as the ‘Pillar of sports in Africa’. He won the fairest and freest election that the country has ever known. He was stopped by the military from becoming president. He died in custody insisting on his mandate. Nigerians still have fond memories of him but have been surprised and disappointed that President Jonathan, a product of the university system, could have been the sponsor of this name change, which essentially substitutes one iconic brand for another. It is shocking that this monumental change could have occurred apparently without due process or consultation with the stakeholders. In this case, it would seem an undemocratic act has been committed on a Federal Government-declared Democracy Day. Abiola and the UNILAG are great iconic brands and you do not reward one entity by trading the other. This diminishes both of them.

The University of Lagos was founded in 1962 by an Act of Parliament and is almost as old as independent Nigeria. It is the most cosmopolitan university in Nigeria. A member of the ‘big five’, it is the university of first choice for many parents. Given the turbulence in the university calendar, it has recorded the least number of academic disruptions. UNILAG has become a brand whose name cannot be changed without hurting the product. The international affiliations and recognition of the university will be put at risk with a change of name.

A few established universities whose names were changed for whatever reason have had a turbulent experience. The University of Ife that was renamed Obafemi Awolowo University is still suffering from the effects of that action even though Chief Obafemi Awolowo was the spearhead and inspiration for the establishment of that institution. Not so long ago, politicians changed the name of Imo State University (IMSU) to Evan Enwerem University. Following public outcry, the name has reverted to Imo State University.

The lesson is that utmost care must be taken before changing names of institutions. The British tradition is to name universities after towns and chairs after individuals. The Americans also follow the same pattern but allow for institutions to be named after their individual founders. The University of Lagos has no such founder. Besides, renaming the University of Lagos will entail the expenditure of billions of naira of public fund, which the country can ill-afford; particularly when Abiola can be honoured more appropriately and less expensively.

It has been difficult to fathom what informed the decision to rename UNILAG after Abiola. Some have speculated that the gesture was meant to placate the South-West. If that is the case, the initiative is wrong-headed. Abiola was a nationalist and does not deserve to be compartmentalised into a tribal leader, which diminishes his stature.

With students now demonstrating against the precipitate action, it would seem that the Federal Government has carelessly brought trouble upon itself. In a volatile and brittle country, there is no knowing where and how these demonstrations will end, especially if they are joined by other university students in sympathy. Shutting down the institution is an easy remedy, which in no way reduces popular anger.

As a foremost sportsman, naming the stadium in Abuja or Lagos after him would have been more appropriate. But Abiola was more than a sportsman. He was a nationalist who fought for democracy and died for it. In this role, the Federal Government should immortalise him by declaring either June 12 or Abiola’s birthday the true democracy day. That day could be a public holiday throughout the country and should be called Abiola Day. This way, Nigeria will not only be honouring the memory of Chief Moshood Abiola but also the memory of many patriots who lost their lives across the nation in the struggle for democracy, following the annulment of the general elections of 1993. And the argument for awarding him the highest national honour or recognising him as a former president is not without merit.

The Federal Government should review its decision, rescind the renaming of UNILAG and seek a better way to immortalise a deserving hero.

President Jonathan should be encouraged that rather than being a show of weakness, it is an act of courage for a leader to, upon recognising the error of his action, reverse his decision. Such a reversal is in the public interest, and constitutes due respect for the democratic yearnings of the people. The government must begin to do things appropriately.

http://www.ngrguardiannews.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=87795:wrong-way-to-honour-a-hero&catid=37:editorial&Itemid=612

LocalChamp: Wrong way to honour a hero .
Thursday, 31 May 2012 00:00 Editor Opinion - Editorial .User Rating: / 7


PRESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan’s decision to rename the University of Lagos to Moshood Abiola University, though apparently well-intentioned, is misguided and irredeemably wrong. Borne out of insufficient thought and lacking the rigour required for such initiative, the name change undermined the iconic nature of both the late Chief Abiola, as well as that of the university. In effect, the result is a disastrous substitution of one greatness for another. It is not surprising that the decision has provoked intense reaction that has led to a partial and temporary closure of the university. The president should not only rethink the action, but return to status quo and choose a more befitting way to honour the renowned politician.

In his Democracy Day broadcast two days ago, President Goodluck Jonathan said, among other things, that the University of Lagos (UNILAG) will be renamed Moshood Abiola University. The president said that the Federal Government was recognising Chief M.K.O. Abiola for “making the ultimate sacrifice in pursuit of justice and truth.” According to the president, “Destiny and circumstances conspired to place upon his (Abiola’s) shoulders a historic burden, and he rose to the occasion with character and courage.”

The president’s pronouncement has produced a major controversy. While some say that the name change was proper, an overwhelming majority, including students and workers of the University of Lagos, parents and alumni have condemned the decision, saying it did no justice to the character and courage for which the late Abiola is being honoured. Placard-carrying students of the institution have taken to the streets for two consecutive days, disrupting traffic and shutting down parts of the city of Lagos. The school’s alumni have also come out in paid messages to denounce the action.

There is no question that Chief Moshood Abiola is an iconic figure in the country’s march to democracy. In his lifetime, he was a generous donor to several causes. He was particularly keen on sports and was renowned as the ‘Pillar of sports in Africa’. He won the fairest and freest election that the country has ever known. He was stopped by the military from becoming president. He died in custody insisting on his mandate. Nigerians still have fond memories of him but have been surprised and disappointed that President Jonathan, a product of the university system, could have been the sponsor of this name change, which essentially substitutes one iconic brand for another. It is shocking that this monumental change could have occurred apparently without due process or consultation with the stakeholders. In this case, it would seem an undemocratic act has been committed on a Federal Government-declared Democracy Day. Abiola and the UNILAG are great iconic brands and you do not reward one entity by trading the other. This diminishes both of them.

The University of Lagos was founded in 1962 by an Act of Parliament and is almost as old as independent Nigeria. It is the most cosmopolitan university in Nigeria. A member of the ‘big five’, it is the university of first choice for many parents. Given the turbulence in the university calendar, it has recorded the least number of academic disruptions. UNILAG has become a brand whose name cannot be changed without hurting the product. The international affiliations and recognition of the university will be put at risk with a change of name.

A few established universities whose names were changed for whatever reason have had a turbulent experience. The University of Ife that was renamed Obafemi Awolowo University is still suffering from the effects of that action even though Chief Obafemi Awolowo was the spearhead and inspiration for the establishment of that institution. Not so long ago, politicians changed the name of Imo State University (IMSU) to Evan Enwerem University. Following public outcry, the name has reverted to Imo State University.

The lesson is that utmost care must be taken before changing names of institutions. The British tradition is to name universities after towns and chairs after individuals. The Americans also follow the same pattern but allow for institutions to be named after their individual founders. The University of Lagos has no such founder. Besides, renaming the University of Lagos will entail the expenditure of billions of naira of public fund, which the country can ill-afford; particularly when Abiola can be honoured more appropriately and less expensively.

It has been difficult to fathom what informed the decision to rename UNILAG after Abiola. Some have speculated that the gesture was meant to placate the South-West. If that is the case, the initiative is wrong-headed. Abiola was a nationalist and does not deserve to be compartmentalised into a tribal leader, which diminishes his stature.

With students now demonstrating against the precipitate action, it would seem that the Federal Government has carelessly brought trouble upon itself. In a volatile and brittle country, there is no knowing where and how these demonstrations will end, especially if they are joined by other university students in sympathy. Shutting down the institution is an easy remedy, which in no way reduces popular anger.

As a foremost sportsman, naming the stadium in Abuja or Lagos after him would have been more appropriate. But Abiola was more than a sportsman. He was a nationalist who fought for democracy and died for it. In this role, the Federal Government should immortalise him by declaring either June 12 or Abiola’s birthday the true democracy day. That day could be a public holiday throughout the country and should be called Abiola Day. This way, Nigeria will not only be honouring the memory of Chief Moshood Abiola but also the memory of many patriots who lost their lives across the nation in the struggle for democracy, following the annulment of the general elections of 1993. And the argument for awarding him the highest national honour or recognising him as a former president is not without merit.

The Federal Government should review its decision, rescind the renaming of UNILAG and seek a better way to immortalise a deserving hero.

President Jonathan should be encouraged that rather than being a show of weakness, it is an act of courage for a leader to, upon recognising the error of his action, reverse his decision. Such a reversal is in the public interest, and constitutes due respect for the democratic yearnings of the people. The government must begin to do things appropriately.

http://www.ngrguardiannews.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=87795:wrong-way-to-honour-a-hero&catid=37:editorial&Itemid=612

GEJ should be commended for bringing this issue once again to national consciousness. He should send a bill to (amend Unilag Act) NASS and that ends the controversy.

The sentence in bold should also be supported.