A Group known as Sokoto Heritage Reloaded Initiative has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to immortalise the late former president Shehu Usman Aliyu Shagari.
Addressing Journalists on behalf of the Group, Professor Uthman Andulkadir, said it is in fulfilment of a national promise made by the then administration of President Muhammadu Buhari.
He added that the late former President Buhari pledged to name a national monument after the late President Shehu Shagari as Nigeria’s first democratically elected President.
Professor Andulqadir noted that former President Shagari was not only a leader, but a symbol of humility, integrity and statesmanship who contributed immensely to the development of education in the country.
“Shagari’s vision for Nigeria, especially in the area of education, laid the groundwork for what we have today in distance and open learning. It was during his administration that the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) was first conceived as a revolutionary idea to democratise access to higher education.
“Mr President Sir, what better way to immortalise Shagari than to rename NOUN as the Shehu Shagari Open University of Nigeria.
“A tribute not just for his legacy, but to the enduring vision for an educated and enlightened Nigeria,” he said.
He added that if President Tinubu immortalise Shagari his name would continue to be written in gold and as a leader who kept promises made in good faith.
“Sir, with your well-known respect for national icons and commitment to unity, we are confident that you will need this noble call in honouring Shehu Shagari, you honour the values of humility, service and patriotism that define the Nigerian spirit,” he added.
Professor Andulqadir commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his commitment to late President Buhari and national progress at all time.