Alumni, students oppose Tinubu’s move to rename UNIMAID after Buhari

Alumni, students, and concerned citizens of Borno State have rejected the decision by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to rename the University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID) to Muhammadu Buhari University, in honour of the former Nigerian President.

The announcement was made on Thursday, July 17, 2025, during an expanded Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting held at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

In response, opposition to the renaming has swiftly grown, with a public petition garnering over 9,000 signatures within 48 hours. The petition, launched by alumni, students, and other concerned Nigerians, urges President Tinubu to reverse the decision and preserve the university’s original name, which they describe as a “symbol of resilience, academic excellence, and cultural heritage.”

Why the Name Matters

In the petition, stakeholders emphasized that the University of Maiduguri has stood as a beacon of hope and intellectual advancement, especially during times of insecurity in the North-East. They argue that the name “UNIMAID” carries emotional significance and has earned a strong reputation locally and internationally.

“This institution is not just a university—it is a monument to survival, peacebuilding, and excellence. Changing its name risks erasing decades of identity and pride,” the petition stated.

The institution, established over four decades ago, has produced thousands of leaders, academics, diplomats, and professionals who proudly associate with the UNIMAID name. Alumni insist that this identity should be preserved and protected.

Alternative Suggestions

While expressing deep respect for the legacy of former President Muhammadu Buhari, the petitioners recommended that other institutions more closely linked to his personal history and background be considered for renaming. These include:

Federal University of Transportation, Daura, located in Buhari’s hometown in Katsina State — a symbolic and regionally significant option.

Nigerian Army University, Biu, reflecting Buhari’s background as a former military officer and his contributions to national defense.

These suggestions, the petition argues, would honour Buhari’s legacy without disrupting the historical and cultural significance of the University of Maiduguri.

A Call for Consideration

The petition closed with an appeal to President Tinubu to uphold national unity and stakeholder consultation in matters of such emotional and historical weight.

“Preserving the name University of Maiduguri is not a political stance — it is a heartfelt plea for continuity and respect for the identity of a beloved institution.

“We believe a more fitting tribute to President Buhari can be achieved without sacrificing the legacy of UNIMAID.”

The signatories expressed faith in President Tinubu’s leadership, urging him to demonstrate fairness and wisdom by reconsidering the renaming decision.