UNIMAID Alumni, Students Reject Proposal to Rename University After Buhari

A wave of backlash has greeted President Bola Tinubu’s proposal to rename the University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID) after former President Muhammadu Buhari, with alumni, students, and Borno State residents strongly opposing the move.

The renaming was announced during the Federal Executive Council meeting on July 17, sparking widespread criticism across academic and civic circles.

Critics argue that UNIMAID is not just an academic institution but a resilient symbol of cultural heritage and educational progress in Nigeria’s conflict-ridden North-East.

“The University of Maiduguri is more than a name,” said one statement from the protest group. “It represents strength, identity, and academic excellence in a region once destabilized by insurgency.”

A public petition launched to oppose the decision has gained swift momentum, amassing over 9,000 signatures within 48 hours. The signatories include current students, alumni, and concerned citizens from across the country.

In a formal appeal to President Tinubu, the petitioners acknowledged Buhari’s contributions to Nigeria but argued that the renaming of UNIMAID was inappropriate and disregards the emotional and historical ties that stakeholders have with the institution.

“We respectfully urge that other institutions more closely aligned with Buhari’s legacy such as the Federal University of Transportation, Daura or the Nigerian Army University, Biu be considered instead,” the petition stated.

The statement concluded with a plea for the preservation of UNIMAID’s identity:

“This is not about politics. It is about heritage, continuity, and honoring both the legacy of President Buhari and the soul of the University of Maiduguri without erasing either.”

As of now, the presidency has not issued a formal response to the public opposition.