₦airaland Forum

Stop Naming Public Institutions After Individuals: They Are Our Common Patrimony

By Tony Okafor

As we continue to build and develop our society, it is imperative that we reflect on the values and principles that guide our actions.

One practice that has become all too common in our clime is the naming of public institutions after individuals. All tiers of government must stop this trend.

Public institutions, built with our common resources, are meant to serve the collective good, not to perpetuate the legacies of individuals.

These institutions are funded by taxpayers' money, and their purpose is to provide essential services to the public.

By naming them after individuals, we are, in effect, privatizing public goods and undermining the very notion of collective ownership.

This practice is not only unnecessary but also problematic. It creates a cult of personality, where the achievements and contributions of one individual are elevated above those of others.

It also perpetuates a culture of sycophancy, where public officials and institutions feel compelled to curry favour with powerful individuals by naming public assets after them.

Moreover, this practice is often arbitrary and lacking in transparency. Who decides which individuals are worthy of such honour? What criteria are used to select them? The process is often shrouded in secrecy, leaving room for favouritism, nepotism, and other forms of abuse.

Furthermore, naming public institutions after individuals can be divisive and exclusionary. It can create a sense of ownership and entitlement among the family and supporters of the individual being honoured, while excluding others who may have made equally significant contributions to society.

In addition, this practice can also undermine the historical and cultural significance of the institution itself.

By naming an institution after an individual, we risk reducing its identity and purpose to a single person, rather than recognizing its broader role in society.

We urge the governments to put an end to this practice and instead focus on naming public institutions after values, principles, or geographical locations that reflect their purpose and identity. This will help to depersonalize public institutions and reinforce the notion that they belong to the people, not to individuals.

For instance, instead of naming a university after a politician, we could name it after a notable geographical feature, a historical event, or a core value such as justice, equality, or excellence.

This approach would help to create a sense of shared ownership and identity among the students, faculty, and staff, while also reflecting the institution's values and mission.

It is time for us to rethink our values and priorities. Let us build public institutions that serve the collective good, not the interests of a privileged few.

Let us create a culture that celebrates our shared heritage and values, rather than the achievements of individuals.

We owe it to ourselves, our children, and future generations to get this right. Let us join hands to build a better society, where public institutions serve the people, not personalities.

We call on the government to issue a policy directive prohibiting the naming of public institutions after individuals.

We also call on civil society organizations, community leaders, and ordinary citizens to join us in this campaign to reclaim our public institutions and restore their true purpose.

Together, we can build a Nigeria where public institutions are truly public, and where the collective good is paramount. The time to act is now.

Tony Okafor writes from Awka, Anambra State
Tell: 08035033836

They is nothing wrong in naming public institutions...



After individuals.

It is a way of honoring significant contributions of individuals to society. This recognition can serve as motivation for others to strive for excellence.

It can also provide a sense of history to people as it helps preserve the memory of outstanding individuals in society and their achievements.

As long as the process is transparent and accountable. I see nothing wrong in it.

I suggest clear cut criteria and guidelines should be made for the process to be more accountable.

Using the same logic then we have to remove the faces of individuals in our currency notes?

TonyRazor:
Stop Naming Public Institutions After Individuals: They Are Our Common Patrimony

By Tony Okafor

As we continue to build and develop our society, it is imperative that we reflect on the values and principles that guide our actions.

One practice that has become all too common in our clime is the naming of public institutions after individuals. All tiers of government must stop this trend.

Public institutions, built with our common resources, are meant to serve the collective good, not to perpetuate the legacies of individuals.

These institutions are funded by taxpayers' money, and their purpose is to provide essential services to the public.

By naming them after individuals, we are, in effect, privatizing public goods and undermining the very notion of collective ownership.

This practice is not only unnecessary but also problematic. It creates a cult of personality, where the achievements and contributions of one individual are elevated above those of others.

It also perpetuates a culture of sycophancy, where public officials and institutions feel compelled to curry favour with powerful individuals by naming public assets after them.

Moreover, this practice is often arbitrary and lacking in transparency. Who decides which individuals are worthy of such honour? What criteria are used to select them? The process is often shrouded in secrecy, leaving room for favouritism, nepotism, and other forms of abuse.

Furthermore, naming public institutions after individuals can be divisive and exclusionary. It can create a sense of ownership and entitlement among the family and supporters of the individual being honoured, while excluding others who may have made equally significant contributions to society.

In addition, this practice can also undermine the historical and cultural significance of the institution itself.

By naming an institution after an individual, we risk reducing its identity and purpose to a single person, rather than recognizing its broader role in society.

We urge the governments to put an end to this practice and instead focus on naming public institutions after values, principles, or geographical locations that reflect their purpose and identity. This will help to depersonalize public institutions and reinforce the notion that they belong to the people, not to individuals.

For instance, instead of naming a university after a politician, we could name it after a notable geographical feature, a historical event, or a core value such as justice, equality, or excellence.

This approach would help to create a sense of shared ownership and identity among the students, faculty, and staff, while also reflecting the institution's values and mission.

It is time for us to rethink our values and priorities. Let us build public institutions that serve the collective good, not the interests of a privileged few.

Let us create a culture that celebrates our shared heritage and values, rather than the achievements of individuals.

We owe it to ourselves, our children, and future generations to get this right. Let us join hands to build a better society, where public institutions serve the people, not personalities.

We call on the government to issue a policy directive prohibiting the naming of public institutions after individuals.

We also call on civil society organizations, community leaders, and ordinary citizens to join us in this campaign to reclaim our public institutions and restore their true purpose.

Together, we can build a Nigeria where public institutions are truly public, and where the collective good is paramount. The time to act is now.

Why We Name Institutions After Great People: Celebrating Legacy and Inspiring Future Generations

As we continue to develop our society, it is essential to reflect on practices that honor our history, inspire our citizens, and preserve the memory of exceptional contributions to our collective progress.

One such practice is naming public institutions after individuals who have demonstrated extraordinary commitment to the public good. Rather than being seen as an unnecessary glorification of individuals, this tradition represents a powerful way to preserve legacies, motivate future generations, and build a shared sense of identity and pride.

Public institutions are not merely physical structures or organizations; they are symbols of our society's values and history. Naming them after exemplary individuals serves to honor their sacrifices, contributions, and impact on the society they helped shape. These names remind us of the ideals and virtues that we aspire to emulate, such as leadership, courage, and dedication.

To argue that this practice creates a “cult of personality” undermines the profound impact that certain individuals have had on the growth and stability of our nation. Naming an institution after someone who has dedicated their life to public service, education, or innovation is not an act of sycophancy—it is a recognition of excellence and an acknowledgment of their enduring influence.

In fact, naming institutions after individuals serves an educational purpose. It encourages us to learn about the lives and achievements of these individuals, fostering a sense of connection to our history and values. A university named after a renowned scholar or leader, for instance, can inspire students to aim higher and dedicate themselves to their chosen fields. It reminds them that greatness is achievable, and that their institution embodies the spirit of its namesake.

Moreover, the claim that this practice is arbitrary or divisive ignores the rigorous criteria often applied in selecting honorees. Most names are chosen to reflect individuals whose contributions have transcended personal gain and touched the lives of countless citizens. The legacy of such individuals often serves as a unifying force, reminding us of what is possible when we work together for the common good.

Rather than depersonalizing public institutions, naming them after great individuals personalizes their mission and gives them a story. A hospital named after a trailblazing physician speaks to its dedication to healing and innovation. A bridge named after a visionary leader underscores the power of connection and progress. These names evoke pride, identity, and a sense of continuity.

Furthermore, we cannot ignore the fact that human history is driven by individuals whose actions have shaped the course of nations. To deny them recognition in the name of depersonalization risks erasing their contributions from our collective memory. We must remember that public institutions are not only for today but also for posterity. By naming them after great individuals, we preserve their stories for future generations, ensuring that their values and principles endure.

Instead of erasing names from our public spaces, we should focus on ensuring inclusivity and balance in the selection process. Every region and community has its heroes—individuals who have made significant contributions to our shared heritage. By honoring them, we celebrate the diversity of our nation and the many ways in which greatness can manifest.

In conclusion, naming public institutions after exceptional individuals is not about serving the interests of a privileged few. It is about recognizing excellence, inspiring future generations, and preserving the memory of those who have made extraordinary contributions to our society.

Let us not shy away from celebrating greatness. Let us honor the legacies of those who have given their best for the collective good. And let us inspire our children to strive for greatness, knowing that their contributions too may one day be immortalized.

The time to embrace our heroes and their legacies is now. Together, we can build a Nigeria where public institutions not only serve the people but also tell the stories of those who paved the way for progress.

Bitter soul! Is Gowon not our common asset? If it is named after Azikwe now or someone he loves, all these grammar will disappear; he wouldn't utter a word.Gowon worths it, he is not the one that pushed ojukwu to start war he couldn't finish when he should have tried dialogue upon dialogue for peace sake