UNIMAID alumni, students reject renaming of institution after Buhari

A groundswell of opposition has met President Bola Tinubu’s decision to rename the University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID) after former President Muhammadu Buhari.

Alumni, current students, and several residents of Borno State have voiced strong objections to the proposal, insisting that the university’s original name carries deep historical and cultural significance.

The renaming of the institution was made on Thursday, July 17, 2025, during an expanded Federal Executive Council meeting at the Presidential Villa in Abuja. President Tinubu had said the move was aimed at honouring the former Nigerian leader.

But the decision has stirred controversy, with critics saying the name “University of Maiduguri” stands as a testament to the resilience and academic commitment of a region once devastated by insecurity.

In a public petition that has already gathered close to 9,000 signatures in just 48 hours, the objectors argued that other institutions would be more appropriate for the tribute, citing Buhari’s military and regional ties.

“The University of Maiduguri is more than just a name. It is a powerful symbol of resilience, academic excellence, and cultural heritage — especially in the face of insecurity that once threatened the North-East region,” the petition reads.

The signatories recommended instead that either the Federal University of Transportation in Daura — Buhari’s hometown — or the Nigerian Army University in Biu be renamed in his honour.

“With the deepest respect to the memory and legacy of the late President Muhammadu Buhari — a man whose contributions to Nigeria remain indelible — we believe that renaming the University of Maiduguri does not align with the sentiments of its core stakeholders and the enduring identity the institution has built over the decades,” they wrote.

“For over 40 years, this great institution has produced leaders, scholars, diplomats, scientists, and patriots who proudly identify as UNIMAID alumni. Its name is a source of pride not just in Nigeria but across Africa and the global academic community.”

The petition described the university’s name as a vital part of its identity and cautioned against erasing that legacy.

“Preserving this name is not a political position; it is a plea for continuity, emotional attachment, and the integrity of a brand that has stood the test of time and conflict. Let us honor both the legacy of former President Buhari and the soul of UNIMAID — without erasing the identity of either.”

The authors of the petition concluded with an appeal for reconsideration, calling on the President to choose an alternative form of immortalising Buhari’s legacy.
“We trust in your wisdom, fairness, and commitment to national unity and stakeholder engagement,” they said.