Alumni, current students, and concerned residents of Borno State are speaking out against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s recent announcement to rename the University of Maiduguri after former President Muhammadu Buhari.
The controversial declaration was made on Thursday, July 17, 2025, during an expanded Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting held at the Presidential Villa in Abuja. President Tinubu stated that the university would henceforth be known as Muhammadu Buhari University — a gesture intended to honour his predecessor.
But the announcement has triggered a swift and passionate response.
For many, the University of Maiduguri is far more than an academic institution. It’s a historic symbol of resilience in the face of the insurgency that once gripped the North-East. It represents endurance, excellence, and identity — especially for a region that has fought hard to reclaim peace and purpose.
In their official reaction, the affected groups stated,
“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.”
Shortly after the announcement, a public petition began circulating online, drawing support from across the country. Within just 48 hours, nearly 9,000 people had signed the petition — a clear sign of growing dissatisfaction and emotional resistance to the change.
The petitioners, in a heartfelt message addressed to President Tinubu, emphasized that their stand was not against honouring Muhammadu Buhari. Rather, it was about preserving the deeply rooted identity and history of UNIMAID.
“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 suggested more suitable alternatives — institutions that align more closely with Buhari’s background and heritage. Among the top suggestions were:
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The Federal University of Transportation, Daura, situated in Buhari’s hometown
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The Nigerian Army University, Biu, reflecting his military roots
The petition ends on a solemn note, urging the President to reconsider:
“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 debate continues to gain momentum online and offline, many are watching to see whether the federal government will reconsider its position — or if this name change will stand despite the uproar.
