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From Adesuwa Tsan and Ndubuisi Orji, Abuja
The National Assembly has called on the Federal Government to honour two prominent Nigerians, the late Afenifere leader, Pa Reuben Fasoranti, and former Minister of Defence, General Theophilus Yakubu Danjuma (retd), by naming educational institutions after them in recognition of their contributions to national development, education, democracy and public service.
While the Senate recommended that an educational institution be named after Fasoranti, who died on October 20, 2026, at the age of 100, the House of Representatives specifically urged the Federal Government to rename the Federal University, Wukari, Taraba State, as TY Danjuma Federal University, Wukari.
The resolutions followed separate motions adopted by both chambers during plenary on Wednesday, with lawmakers acknowledging the contributions of the two elder statesmen to Nigeria’s political development, public administration and educational advancement.
In the Senate, the motion to honour Fasoranti was sponsored by Adeniyi Adegbonmire, who described the late Afenifere leader as a committed nationalist whose contributions to education and democratic governance would remain indelible.
Adegbonmire told his colleagues that Fasoranti, born on May 11, 1926, in Akure, Ondo State, distinguished himself as an educationist, politician and advocate of democratic governance, dedicating much of his life to the advancement of his community and the country.
According to him, the elder statesman established Omooluorogbo Nursery and Primary School and Akure High School, contributing significantly to educational development in Ondo State.
He also recalled Fasoranti’s association with the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo, his role as a founding member of the Alliance for Democracy and his emergence as leader of the pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, following the death of Pa Abraham Adesanya.
The lawmaker noted that Fasoranti served as Commissioner for Finance under the administration of the late Chief Michael Adekunle Ajasin in Ondo State between 1979 and 1983.
He added that the deceased was among prominent Nigerians who opposed military rule and campaigned for the restoration of democratic governance.
Seconding the motion, Senator Olajide Ipinsagba described Fasoranti’s death as a major loss to Ondo State, recalling his role in resolving disputes among youths, elders and other groups.
“He was always there to resolve problems within the youth, within the elders and among all parties concerned in any dispute. So today we have lost him.” Ipinsagba likened Fasoranti’s death to the destruction of a repository of knowledge, given his wealth of experience and the guidance he provided to successive generations.
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“His death is like a burnt library to all the people in the State because of the knowledge that we tapped from him,” he added.
Following deliberations, the Senate adopted three prayers, including a resolution to send a delegation to convey its condolences to Fasoranti’s family and the people of Ondo State.
It also resolved to recommend that an educational institution be named after the late Afenifere leader in recognition of his contributions to education in Yorubaland and national development.
Meanwhile, the House of Representatives adopted a motion urging the Federal Government to rename the Federal University, Wukari, after Danjuma, citing his contributions to the military, public service, philanthropy, education and healthcare.
The motion was sponsored by Gaza Gbewfi, representing Keffi/Karu/Kokona Federal Constituency of Nasarawa State; Mark Useni, representing Takum/Donga/Ussa Federal Constituency; and Ayuba Dampar, representing Wukari/Ibi Federal Constituency of Taraba State.
Leading the debate, Gbewfi recalled that the Federal University, Wukari, was established in 2011 to expand access to higher education, promote research and contribute to national development.
He argued that renaming the institution after Danjuma would recognise his decades of service to Nigeria and preserve his legacy for future generations.
The motion read: “The House notes that Federal University, Wukari, Taraba State, was established in 2011 to expand access to higher education and promote research and national development.
“Also notes the contributions of Lieutenant General Theophilus Yakubu Danjuma, GCON (Retired), to Nigeria through military and public service, philanthropy and support for education, healthcare and vulnerable communities.
“Recognises that naming the University after him would honour his contributions to national development and preserve a legacy of service for future generations.”
Following the adoption of the motion, the House mandated its Committee on University Education to engage relevant stakeholders and facilitate the legislative measures required to give effect to the proposed renaming.
The resolutions by the two chambers remain recommendations, with the proposed naming and renaming of the institutions requiring further action by the appropriate authorities.
