Outcry As Federal University Lokoja Names Building After Outgoing VC Akinwumi

The announcement by the Governing Council of the Federal University Lokoja (FUL) that the institution’s prominent Senate Building would be named after the outgoing Vice-Chancellor, Professor Olayemi Akinwumi, after his recommendation of the naming to the Council has ignited widespread reactions across the Country, Kogi State, University community and beyond, with people decrying it as an act of self-aggrandisement, self-glorification that disregards ethical norms in leadership.

The decision, approved at the Council’s 7th regular meeting in January 2026 based on recommendations from the Committee on Street and Facility Naming instituted by Prof Akinwumi, was publicly shared on February 11, 2026.

It forms part of a broader initiative to honour distinguished donors, past officers, and contributors by naming various streets, hostels, lecture theatres, and other facilities across the Felele and Adankolo campuses

Prominent among the named structures is one named after the outgoing VC, the Prof. Olayemi Akinwumi Senate Building a three-storey facility initiated, funded through TETFund interventions, and completed under Akinwumi’s leadership during his tenure (which concludes on 16th February 2026).

In no University has the VC named a building after themselves, talk more of The Senate building, which is normally the headquarters of the University and normally named after prestigious individuals the establishing President, Education Minister or founding father, not a mere serving VC.

The naming has sparked sharp criticism as voices within the university community, have labelled the move as narcissistic and a breach of ethical practices in higher education governance.

They argue that naming the premier administrative building the symbolic heart of university decision-making—after a sitting (now outgoing) Vice-Chancellor undermines collective efforts, overlooks the contributions of founding fathers and early pioneers who toiled for the institution’s establishment and growth, and sets a poor precedent for legacy-building.

Descriptions of Akinwumi’s tenure as “corrupt” as he is currently being investigated by EFCC, ICPC, & the police fraud unit for various infraction cases and referred to as overly self-centred have surfaced in online discussions and informal commentary, with some expressing disgust at what they see as prioritising personal immortalisation over institutional humility and shared credit.

In contrast, supporters including official university statements and some alumni defend the naming as a deserved recognition of Akinwumi’s direct role in conceptualising, securing funding for, and delivering the project, which stands as one of his key legacies amid broader infrastructural advancements during his time in office.

The full list of approved names, endorsed by the Governing Council under Chairman Professor Zubairu Tajo Abdallah, includes a mix of honorees:
Prof. Hassan Rafindadi’s Clinic (Felele Campus)

Prof. Angela Miri’s Hostel (Female Hostel, Felele)

Alhaji Saleh ICT Centre (Felele)
Otuo-East Farm Road

Dr. Afolabi Umakhihe Farm House

Hon. Abiodun Faleke Sports Centre

Hon. Asiru Asiwaju Tennis Court

Sen. Adighije’s Complex (NEEDS Assessment Building, Felele)

Dr. Gladys Makoju Lecture Theatres (LT A & B, Adankolo)

Haj. Habiba Adeiza Hostel (Girls’ Hostel, Adankolo)Goodluck Ebele Jonathan Way (from the main gate)

Hon. Sanusi Ohiare Street (from the Multipurpose Hall through to the Faculty of Education to the REA Project)

Prof. Nimi Dimkpa Brigg’s Hall (Multipurpose Hall, Felele)

Alhaji Tijani Mohammed Close (from CPGS to the University Library)

Prof. Olayemi Akinwumi Senate Building

Sen. Tunde Ogbeha’s E-Learning Centre

Alhaji Ibrahim Idris Building (Admin building, Adankolo)

Dr. Mohammadu Abali’s Drive (Hostel Road, Felele)

Prof. Zuberu Abdallah Hostel (Male Hostel, Felele)

The university has invited the community and public to note these designations for future reference, framing the exercise as a reflection of appreciation for service, philanthropy, excellence, and transformative leadership.

As FUL prepares for a leadership transition, the controversy surrounding the Senate Building’s naming underscores broader debates in Nigerian academia about propriety, recognition of individual versus collective contributions, and the boundaries of legacy in public institutions.

While some hail it as a fitting tribute to tangible achievements, others view it as emblematic of deeper concerns over accountability and ethical restraint and highlight that legacy should be applauded by those you leave behind and not yourself