The Alumni Association of Bauchi State College of Agriculture has urged the government to rename the institution after former President Goodluck Jonathan, believing the change would attract greater development and special interventions.
Speaking at a press conference on Saturday, the Association’s President, Sani Mu’azu, explained that the proposal aims to rename the institution as “Goodluck Jonathan College of Agriculture and General Studies” and upgrade it to a polytechnic from its current status as a monotechnic.
Implications of The Renaming
The association argues that the proposed change is more than symbolic, as it holds substantial practical benefits. By attaining the new status, the college would qualify for support from the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND), enabling access to increased funding, research opportunities, and infrastructure development. This transformation would bring the institution in line with national standards, fostering growth and modernization.
Additionally, the renaming would allow the institution to expand its academic offerings to include programs such as Entrepreneurship Development, science-related courses, and other disciplines, thereby enhancing its relevance and competitiveness.
Reasons for Renaming the College After Former President Goodluck Jonathan
The association seeks to rename the institution after Goodluck Jonathan to honour his exceptional dedication to democracy, education, and Nigeria’s development. As president, Jonathan showed a deep commitment to advancing education through impactful initiatives. He
aimed at integrating Qur’anic education into the formal education system.
He created The Presidential Special Scholarship Scheme for Innovation and Development” (PRESSID) which provided scholarships to first-class graduates of Nigerian universities. He also founded the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND), which facilitated funding for infrastructure development and research in tertiary institutions.
In addition to these programs, Jonathan’s administration established 12 new federal universities, increased education funding, and introduced measures to improve access to education for disadvantaged groups.
