The Alumni Association of the National Open University of Nigeria has appealed to President Bola Tinubu not to rename the institution after the first elected President of the country, Shehu Shagari, or any other individual.
This follows a recent statement by Shagari’s grandson, Nuradeen Mahe, who suggested that the university be renamed “Shehu Shagari Open University” in honour of the former President.
But reacting to the proposal in an interview with the Press, the National President of the NOUN Alumni Association, Ifeanyi Obukwelu, warned that changing the institution’s name could undermine its national identity and historical significance.
“NOUN’s name reflects its unique status as a non-conventional university with a national reach, extending to all 36 states of the Federation. Renaming it could dilute this brand identity,” Obukwelu said.
He added that the renaming could lead to confusion in validating the credentials of many graduates with the certificates bearing “National Open University of Nigeria,”
Obukwelu also stressed the importance of preserving the institution’s national character, noting that open universities in other countries like India, China, South Korea, and the United Kingdom retain similar national identifiers.
“Renaming it after an individual might diminish this national importance,” he stated.
While acknowledging the foundational role of President Shagari in establishing NOUN, Obukwelu suggested that other avenues be explored to honour his legacy.
“If the President wants to honour Shagari, there are better ways to do so, such as creating a new initiative or national award in his name, rather than renaming a unique national institution like NOUN.”
He further noted that former President Olusegun Obasanjo also played a critical role in reviving the institution after it was suspended by the military regime in 1984.
“Renaming the university after Shagari might overlook the contributions of others who helped build and sustain it,” he added.
The National Open University was originally established through a bill signed into law by Shagari in July 1983 and gazette as the National Open University Act No. 6 of 1983.
However, the institution was shut down in 1984 by the military government that succeeded Shagari’s administration.
It remained dormant until 2002, when it was revived and expanded under the leadership of President Obasanjo.
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