Members of the University of Maiduguri Alumni Association, students, and other stakeholders have strongly opposed the Federal Government’s decision to rename the institution after the late former President Muhammadu Buhari.
The controversy followed President Bola Tinubu’s announcement during a special Federal Executive Council (FEC) session in honour of the late leader, where he revealed that the University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID) would henceforth be known as Muhammadu Buhari University.
However, alumni, students, and concerned citizens are urging the President to reconsider.
In an open letter widely circulated across social and traditional media, the stakeholders acknowledged Buhari’s legacy but warned that altering the institution’s name would erode an identity carefully built over more than four decades.
Describing the university as “a symbol of resilience, academic excellence, and regional pride,” the petitioners—led by Opeyemi Olatinwo—highlighted UNIMAID’s unique history, particularly its steadfast operation during the Boko Haram insurgency despite persistent security threats.
“UNIMAID is more than a name; it is a brand and a beacon of hope in the Northeast,” the statement read, warning that renaming the institution would strip it of its “emotional and historical value.”
The petition, endorsed by thousands of signatories including current students and prominent alumni, argued that the renaming proposal does not reflect the views of the university’s core stakeholders or the broader Nigerian public.
While expressing deep respect for Buhari, the group suggested alternative honours that would better reflect his legacy—such as renaming the Federal University of Transportation in Daura, his hometown, or the Nigerian Army University in Biu, which aligns more closely with his military and national leadership background.
“This is not a political protest. It is a heartfelt plea for continuity and for the preservation of a name that has survived conflict and nurtured generations of leaders,” the petition stated.
As of Friday, the appeal had gained momentum online, with over 1,500 new supporters signing on to oppose the renaming.
Many petitioners underscored the need for inclusive consultation on matters of such national and cultural significance.
Supporters of the university’s current name expressed hope that President Tinubu would act with fairness and sensitivity, preserving UNIMAID’s legacy while finding an appropriate way to honour Buhari’s memory.
