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Alumni and current students of the University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID), joined by concerned citizens of Borno State, have strongly opposed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s recent decision to rename the institution after late former President Muhammadu Buhari.
The renaming was announced during an expanded Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting held on Thursday, July 17, 2025, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja. President Tinubu declared that the institution would henceforth be known as Muhammadu Buhari University, in a move to honour his predecessor.
“UNIMAID Is More Than a Name” The announcement has since sparked widespread protest, especially from those with deep connections to the university. In a strongly worded statement, opponents described the move as emotionally and historically tone-deaf.
“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 statement read.
Online Petition Gains Momentum Shortly after the renaming announcement, a public petition was launched online, quickly amassing over 9,000 signatures in less than 48 hours. The petition calls on President Tinubu to reverse the renaming and preserve the university’s original identity.
“We, the alumni, students, and concerned citizens, write this heartfelt appeal to Your Excellency… With the deepest respect to the memory and legacy of the late President Muhammadu Buhari… we believe that renaming the University of Maiduguri does not align with the sentiments of its core stakeholders,” the petition stated.
Suggested Alternatives for Honouring Buhari
In a show of respect toward the late former president, petitioners proposed alternative institutions that they believe are more symbolically appropriate for such a tribute:
Federal University of Transportation, Daura, located in Buhari’s hometown Nigerian Army University, Biu, considering Buhari’s military background “These institutions hold closer ties to President Buhari’s personal legacy and would serve as meaningful memorials without erasing the deep-rooted identity of UNIMAID,” they added.
Final Appeal to President Tinubu The petition concludes with a passionate plea:
“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.”
As the petition continues to gain support across social media and civic spaces, all eyes are now on President Tinubu’s administration for a potential reconsideration of the controversial decision.
Source: GistLover | Read More
