The Federal Government on Tuesday directed that the University of Lagos be renamed Moshood Abiola University in honour of Chief M.K.O. Abiola’s accomplishment and heroism.
President Goodluck Jonathan, who disclosed this in his Democracy Day national broadcast, said government would establish an Institution of Democratic Studies in the institution.
Jonathan said that the government's decision was in commemoration of Democracy Day and in honour of Abiola who paid the ultimate sacrifice in pursuit of justice and peace.
“It is also in this regard that the Federal Government has decided that late Chief M.K.O. Abiola? be honoured for making the ultimate sacrifice in the pursuit of justice and truth.
“Destiny and circumstances conspired to place upon his shoulder a historic burden and he rose to the occasion in character and courage.
“He desire recognition for his martyrdom and public spiritedness and for being the man of history that he was.
“We need in our land more men and women who will stand up to defend their belief and whose example will further enrich our democracy.
“After very careful consideration and in honour of Chief M.K.O. Abiola’s accomplishment and heroism, on this Democracy Day, the University of Lagos is renamed by the Federal Government of Nigeria, Moshood Abiola University, Lagos.
“The Federal Government will establish an Institution of Democratic Studies in governance in the university,’’ he said.
Similarly, Jonathan directed the construction of a Presidential Museum in Abuja which would document the life and time of the nation’s past Presidents and Heads of Government since 1960.
He said the museum would mark 100 years of existence of the nation by 2014.
Nigeria will be 100 as a single entity in 2014, counting from the 1914 amalgamation of the Northern and Southern Protectorates by the colonial masters.
The President underscored the need for the nation to take steps to heal the wounds of the past in working together as people with shared destiny.
“We must strengthen our collective memory, draw strength from our history and build bridges of unity to take our country to greater heights,’’ he said.
The President called on Nigerians to take loyalty to the country as a sacred obligation that should be performed irrespective of religious and political interest.
He also assured that the nation would not disintegrate even with the daunting challenges confronting it. (NAN)