A group from Sokoto State has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to rename the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) after the late former President Shehu Shagari, in honour of his contribution to education in Nigeria.
The group, Sokoto Heritage Reloaded Initiative, made the appeal following President Tinubu’s recent decision to rename the University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID) after late President Muhammadu Buhari, who died on July 13, 2025, in London.
In a statement signed by its convener, Nuruddeen Muhammad Mahe, the group said former President Shagari deserved similar recognition for laying the foundation for open and distance learning in Nigeria. According to Mahe, the idea of NOUN was first introduced during Shagari’s time in office between 1979 and 1983.
“Shehu Shagari was not just a leader; he was a symbol of humility, integrity, and vision,” the statement read. “It was under his leadership that the concept of NOUN began—an effort to make higher education more accessible to all Nigerians.”
The group reminded Tinubu that the previous administration, under former President Buhari, had promised to name a national monument after Shagari, who served as Nigeria’s first executive president in the Second Republic.
“We believe that renaming NOUN to Shehu Shagari Open University of Nigeria is the most fitting way to honour a man who believed in education for all,” the statement added.
The group also praised President Tinubu for his loyalty and strong principles, urging him to fulfil the unkept national promise as a gesture of justice and historical respect.