Late Ahmadu Bello
21 universities in the country, Eight (Federal), Eight (States) and Five (Private) are named after distinguished Nigerians. Dayo Oluodo and Odeyinde Olusola write about the universities, the personalities and why the institutions were named after them.
Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU),
Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU) is a federal University of Technology established in 1980 in Bauchi, Bauchi State. The University was named after the first Prime Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa.
The former University of Technology was merged with Ahmadu Bello University Zaria, with subsequent change of its name to Abubakar Tafawa Balewa College, Ahmadu Bello University, Bauchi Campus. The University regained its autonomous status in 1988 following a general demerger of such institutions. This was followed by a subsequent change of its name to Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi.
Ahmadu Bello University (ABU)
Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria was founded on October 4, 1962 as the University of Northern Nigeria. The University was named after the former Sardauna of Sokoto, Alhaji, Sir Ahmadu Bello, the first premier of Northern Nigeria. In 1975, the University was taken over by the Federal Government through a Decree (the Ahmadu Bello University [Transitional] Provisions Decree of 1975), thus becoming a Federal University.
Bayero University Kano (BUK)
Bayero University, Kano (BUK) was founded in 1977 when it was renamed from Bayero University College and upgraded to a university. It was named after Abdullahi Bayero, Emir of Kano who ruled from 1927 to 1953.
Starting in 1966, the institution served as the Faculty of Arabic and Islamic Studies of Ahmadu Bello University.
In 1975, the college became a University College, and was renamed Bayero University College. In 1977, the status was again changed, to that of university.
Michael Okpara University of Agriculture
The Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, originally the Federal University of Agriculture, is a federal University in Umudike, Abia State established as a specialized University in 1992.
The institution was named after Dr. Michael Iheonukara Okpara, who was a political leader and Premier of Eastern Nigeria during the First Republic, from 1959 to 1966. He was, at 39, the nation's youngest Premier. He was a strong advocate of what he called "pragmatic socialism" and believed that agricultural reform was crucial to the ultimate success of Nigeria.
Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka
Nnamdi Azikiwe University was originally an offshoot of the defunct Anambra State University of Technology (ASUTECH). ASUTECH which was established in July 1980 by the Government of the old Anambra operated as a multi-campus university, with campuses in Abakiliki, Enugu, Awka and Nnewi.
In 1991, following the split of the old Anambra State into Anambra and Enugu States, the Awka and Nnewi campuses of the former ASUTECH were constituted into Nnamdi Azikiwe University by the Anambra State in 1991. Nnamdi Azikiwe University was taken over by the Federal Government in 1991. The University is named after Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe, the first President of Nigeria.
Obafemi Awolowo University,Ile-Ife
Obafemi Awolowo University, Osun State, was founded in 1962 as the University of Ife by the regional government of Western Nigeria, led by late Chief Samuel Ladoke Akintola.
It was renamed Obafemi Awolowo University on May 12, 1987 in honour of Chief Obafemi Awolowo (1909–1987), first Premier of the Western region by the former President Ibrahim Babangida.
Usuman Danfodiyo University
Usmanu Danfodiyo University (UDUSOK, formerly University of Sokoto) is one of the initial twelve federal universities in Nigeria founded in 1975. It is named after Usman Dan Fodio, the founder of the Sokoto Caliphate.
Modibbo Adama University of Technology, Yola (MAUTECH)
Modibbo Adama University of Technology, Yola (MAUTECH) formerly known as Federal University of Technology, Yola (FUTY) was established in 1981. In June 1984, FUTY was merged with the University of Maiduguri by the Federal Military Government under General Buhari, and was known as Modibbo Adama College, University of Maiduguri.
In 1986 the institution was demerged along with some others and named Modibbo Adama University of Technology.
The institution was named after Modibbo Adama who died in 1848 at 77. For 42 years of his life, he fought for Islam and the establishment of an emirate he left behind as a legacy.
STATE UNIVERSITIES
Adekunle Ajasin University, AAU
The institution was first established as Obafemi Awolowo University in March 1982 by the government of the old Ondo State, headed by the late Chief Adekunle Ajasin. The name of the institution was changed to Ondo State University under the military government but was renamed Adekunle Ajasin University in December 1999 in honour of Ajasin, the former old Ondo State governor and educationist.
Ambrose Alli University
Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Edot State was established in 1981 by the then governor of Bendel State (now Edo and Delta States), Late Professor Ambrose Folorunso Alli (1979–1983). First known as Bendel State University, later Edo State University, it was later renamed in honour of Alli in 1999.
Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University
Founded in 2005 by the Niger State government, the University located in Lapai was named in honor of former Head of State Gen. Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida in acknowledgement of is contribution to the improvement and betterment of the state and its people.
Ignatius Ajuru University of Education
Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, formerly Rivers State University of Education, Rumuolumeni, Port Harcourt, was renamed as a tribute to the former Pro-Chancellor, late Ignatius Ajuru, who was assassinated in 2009.
Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH)
Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), Ogbomosho, Oyo State was established in 1990 as Oyo State University of Technology
It was renamed Ladoke Akintola University of Technology after the creation of Osun State from Oyo State.
Olabisi Onabanjo University
Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye, was founded July 7, 1982 as Ogun State University. It was renamed Olabisi Onabanjo University on May 29, 2001 in honour of Chief (Dr.) Olabisi Onabanjo, whose efforts as the former civilian governor of Ogun State gave birth to the university.
Tai Solarin University of Education
The Tai Solarin University of Education, Ijebu Ode in Ogun State was the first University of education in Nigeria. It is named after educationist and human rights activist Tai Solarin.
The former Tai Solarin College of Education, established as College of Education in 1979 was on 29th January 2005 upgraded to the University of Education.
The Ogun State government has announced the meager of the institution with the Olabisi Onabanjo University.
Umaru Musa Yar’Adua University (UMYU)
Umaru Musa Yar’Adua University (UMYU), formerly Katsina State University was established in September 2006. The institution was later renamed after former Kastina State Governor and former Nigerian president, Late Umaru Yar’Adua.
PRIVATE UNIVERSITIES
Ajayi Crowther University
The Ajayi Crowther University, Oyo established by the Supra Diocesan Board (West) of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), has its origins in the defunct CMS training institution, Abeokuta and the defunct St. Andrews College, Oyo. The University started as CMS Training Institution in Abeokuta in 1853 from where it was relocated to Lagos (1868 to 1896). In March 1896, it was transplanted to Oyo retrospectively in 1920. The University is named after the late Samuel Ajayi Crowther, the first African Bishop who first translated the Bible into Yoruba.
Benson Idahosa University
The Benson Idahosa University located in Benin is named after Late Archbishop Benson Idahosa, a Charismatic Pentecostal minister from Benin City, and reflects his evangelical beliefs.
He was the founder of Church of God Mission
Igbinedion University
Igbinedion University, Okada, Edo State was founded by Sir Gabriel Osawaru Igbinedion, the Esema of Benin Kingdom, business tycoon and philanthropist.
Joseph Ayo Babalola University (JABU)
The Joseph Ayo Babalola University (JABU) based in Ikeji Arakeji, Osun State was established by the Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) Worldwide.
The university is named after the first Spiritual leader of Christ Apostolic Church, Joseph Ayo Babalola.
Godfrey Okoye University.
Godfrey Okoye University (GO University), Ugwuomu-Nike - Enugu State was founded in 2009 by Very Reverend Father Professor Christian Anieke for the Catholic Diocese of Enugu. It was named after Bishop Godfrey Okoye the Second Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Enugu. Okoye a staunch supporter of education, was the Coordinator of Education for the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria.
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