Stakeholders condemn decision as unethical, self-serving days before tenure ends.
Lokoja, Kogi State – A wave of outrage has greeted the decision by the Governing Council of the Federal University Lokoja (FUL) to name the institution’s central Senate Building after its outgoing Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Olayemi Akinwumi.
The announcement, made on February 11, 2026, approved the naming of major facilities, hostels, and streets across the university’s Felele and Adankolo campuses. Among the designated structures is the three-storey Senate Building, now officially renamed the Prof. Olayemi Akinwumi Senate Building—just days before the conclusion of his tenure on February 16, 2026.
Former students and concerned stakeholders have strongly condemned the move, describing it as a breach of academic tradition and an act of self-glorification.
In a petition jointly signed by Lanre Awoniyi and Tanko Aliyu, the action was labeled an abuse of office. The petitioners argued that Senate Buildings are traditionally named after founding figures or individuals with long-standing foundational contributions—not serving or outgoing administrators.
“We view this as a disrespect to academic culture and a dangerous precedent,” the petition read in part. “A Senate Building is not a parting gift an administrator awards himself.”
Further concerns have been raised over alleged conflict of interest, with claims that the naming recommendation originated from a committee instituted by the outgoing Vice-Chancellor himself.
Critics are now calling on the Federal Ministry of Education, the National Universities Commission (NUC), TETFund, and anti-corruption agencies to intervene and review the decision.
While some within the university community have defended the exercise as part of a broader recognition initiative, the naming of the Senate Building has drawn sharp criticism from alumni and academic watchdogs who insist the move crosses ethical boundaries.
The controversy highlights growing concerns about governance, transparency, and self-succession accolades within Nigeria’s public university system.
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