A growing wave of opposition has trailed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s decision to rename the University of Maiduguri to Muhammadu Buhari University, in honour of Nigeria’s immediate past president.
The renaming was officially announced during an expanded Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting held at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Thursday, July 17, 2025. The move, intended as part of efforts to immortalize Muhammadu Buhari, has stirred controversy among alumni, students, and residents of Borno State.
Widespread Rejection
In swift response, stakeholders—including the university’s alumni association, student bodies, and concerned citizens—have condemned the decision, describing it as insensitive and misaligned with the identity and values the institution has upheld for decades.
According to them, the name “University of Maiduguri” is more than a label—it represents resilience, academic excellence, and cultural heritage, especially in a region that has endured years of insurgency and unrest.
“This university has stood as a pillar of hope and development in the North-East. Renaming it disregards the emotional and historical significance it holds for its community and beyond,” the protest letter read.
Petition Gathers Momentum
A public petition urging President Tinubu to reverse the renaming has already garnered over 9,000 signatures within just 48 hours. The petition calls for the preservation of the university’s original name, emphasizing that altering it could erase a legacy that generations have proudly associated with.
The petitioners also stress that their stance is not a political attack on Buhari’s legacy, but a passionate appeal to maintain the institution’s identity, which they believe has national and continental academic value.
Alternative Proposals
While acknowledging Buhari’s contributions to Nigeria, the protesters have suggested that more suitable institutions—especially those connected to Buhari’s background—could be renamed in his honour. Among the alternatives proposed are:
The Federal University of Transportation, Daura — located in Buhari’s hometown in Katsina State.
The Nigerian Army University, Biu — in recognition of his military background and service.
These options, they argue, would honour the late president without compromising the heritage of the University of Maiduguri.
An Appeal for Reconsideration
The petition concluded with a respectful appeal to President Tinubu, urging him to demonstrate leadership by listening to the voices of those most affected.
“Preserving the name University of Maiduguri is not an act of defiance, but one of respect—for history, identity, and the generations of scholars who call this place home.”
As the petition continues to gain traction, many await the federal government’s response, hoping for a resolution that honours Buhari’s legacy without erasing that of UNIMAID.
