Gladness Gideon
The Federal Government’s recent decision to rename the University of Maiduguri as Muhammadu Buhari University has sparked widespread backlash from alumni, students, and concerned citizens, who have urged President Bola Tinubu to reconsider the move.
In a strongly worded open letter now circulating across both social and traditional media platforms, stakeholders acknowledged the contributions of the late former President Muhammadu Buhari but cautioned that altering the university’s name could erode its deeply rooted identity, developed over more than four decades.
The petition, spearheaded by alumnus Opeyemi Olatinwo, described the University of Maiduguri—commonly known as UNIMAID—as “a symbol of resilience, academic excellence, and regional pride.” It also highlighted the institution’s unwavering operations during the peak of the Boko Haram insurgency, when it continued academic activities 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. Stakeholders argue that renaming the institution would result in a loss of its emotional and historical significance, which has grown steadily since its establishment in 1975.
The petition, which has attracted thousands of endorsements from students, faculty, alumni, and members of the public, contends that the renaming does not reflect the views of the university’s core community or the broader Nigerian populace.
While the group reiterated their respect for the former president’s service, they proposed alternative means of honouring him. Suggestions included renaming the Federal University of Transportation in Daura—Buhari’s hometown—or the Nigerian Army University in Biu, both of which, according to the petitioners, align more closely with his military and national leadership legacy.
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“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 letter emphasized.
As of Friday, the campaign has gained significant traction online, with over 1,500 new signatures added to the petition within a day.
Supporters of maintaining the university’s current name have expressed hope that President Tinubu will demonstrate sensitivity and fairness by reassessing the decision in a way that preserves UNIMAID’s legacy while finding an appropriate avenue to honour Buhari.
Many of the petitioners also stressed the importance of broad-based consultation before decisions with significant cultural and national implications are made.