A storm of resistance has erupted following President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s decision to rename the University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID) in honor of the late former President Muhammadu Buhari. Though intended as a posthumous tribute, the announcement has ignited deep concerns among alumni, current students, education advocates, and regional stakeholders who say the move disrespects the university’s storied legacy.
The renaming was approved during a special Federal Executive Council (FEC) session held Thursday at Aso Rock, where President Tinubu proposed, “May we now adopt the University of Maiduguri as the Muhammadu Buhari University.”
But instead of a celebration, the decision has stirred anger, petitions, and passionate commentary from across the country, especially from the Northeast, where the institution holds a unique and emotional significance.
More Than Just a Name—UNIMAID as a Symbol of Hope
To many, UNIMAID is not merely a university. It’s a symbol of resilience in the face of relentless insurgency. During the peak of the Boko Haram conflict, when many institutions shut down or relocated, UNIMAID remained open—its gates never closed, even amid bomb blasts and uncertainty.
This spirit of defiance and academic continuity is what makes the school’s identity sacred to its community. A petition spearheaded by Opeyemi Olatinwo captures the collective sentiment, arguing that renaming the university erases part of its soul.
“UNIMAID is a legacy built on courage and academic integrity,” the petition reads. “To erase its name is to undo decades of pride, memory, and regional dignity.”
The petition has amassed thousands of signatures within 24 hours, including those of respected alumni and students, all calling for the preservation of the original name.
A Plea for Alternatives, Not Politics
Critics of the renaming insist their objections are not political, but principled. Suggestions abound for alternative honors that wouldn’t tamper with the institution’s heritage. Among them: renaming the Federal University of Transportation in Daura—Buhari’s hometown—or the Nigerian Army University in Biu, which aligns better with the former president’s military and national service background.
“This is not an act of protest—it is a heartfelt plea for preservation,” the petitioners stated. “There are more fitting avenues to honor the late president without rewriting the identity of a university that has shaped lives across generations.”
Academics and Alumni Join the Opposition
Reactions from academia have further strengthened the resistance. Dr. Abdelghaffar Amoka, a senior lecturer at Ahmadu Bello University, warned that changing the name of UNIMAID on its 50th anniversary was tone-deaf and potentially harmful. He expressed concern that the university’s well-established reputation among global scholarship bodies could be compromised.
“UNIMAID is not a new institution,” Amoka said. “Its name carries decades of academic goodwill. Changing it now could confuse international partners, disrupt alumni engagement, and affect its appeal to foreign students.”
A Region That Already Honours Buhari
Others pointed out that Borno State has not withheld its love or respect for Buhari. Numerous landmarks already bear his name, including the Maiduguri International Airport, a mega school, and a state-of-the-art conference center.
Local voices, like alumnus Ibn Maigana, underscored this sentiment. “We love Buhari deeply. His mother was Kanuri. He had Borno blood in his veins. But that love does not mean we must erase UNIMAID’s legacy to prove it.”
He pleaded with President Tinubu to reconsider. “We are not angry. We are heartbroken. Please don’t take this legacy away from us.”
Concerns Over Academic Identity and Legacy
Borno State native Alhassan Ali Muhammad echoed these concerns in a Facebook post, warning that such a change could diminish the university’s international standing and interfere with academic verification processes abroad.
“Foreign institutions recognize UNIMAID. Changing the name could lead to confusion during admissions or document verification,” he wrote. “Our academic institutions should not be caught in political gestures.”
A History of Selective Renaming
Many critics also noted the double standard in how renaming decisions are made. Social commentator Adnan Mukhtar TudunWada pointed out that a past proposal to rename the University of Lagos (UNILAG) after MKO Abiola was swiftly dropped following national uproar. “Why does UNIMAID deserve less respect?” he asked.
Yakubu Sani Wudil added a powerful analogy: “Changing UNIMAID is like renaming Harvard University. Some names become institutions. You don’t erase them.”
He urged the President to redirect the tribute to institutions more closely aligned with Buhari’s legacy—ones that won’t spark cultural discontent.
Some Critics Go Further
While most critics have taken a measured tone, others were more scathing. Activist Anselem Chibuike called the move a “mockery of academic values” and sarcastically demanded public access to Buhari’s primary school certificate before naming any university after him.
Comrade Kashim Usman Sheriff questioned why less controversial figures like Sani Abacha were never considered, instead adding, “Buhari already has enough things named after him in Maiduguri.”
Federal Government’s Response: A Justified Tribute
Despite the mounting opposition, the Ministry of Education stood firmly behind President Tinubu’s decision. In a statement issued Thursday evening, the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, praised the move as a “fitting tribute to an impactful leader.”
Highlighting Buhari’s record in security, agriculture, and social reforms—particularly programs like the TSA, ERGP, and social investment schemes—the Minister emphasized that education is a suitable sector to commemorate his legacy.
“President Tinubu’s decision reflects his respect for education as a vehicle for national transformation,” the statement said. “It is a gesture that aligns with the late President’s lifelong service and the administration’s current priorities.”
Where the Story Stands
As of Friday, the petition continues to gain momentum online. The debate over the renaming is no longer just about a name—it has become a national dialogue on memory, honor, and institutional identity.
Whether the Presidency will yield to the public outcry remains unclear. But what’s certain is this: for the thousands connected to the University of Maiduguri, the name is more than five syllables. It is memory. It is resilience. And it is a legacy they are unwilling to give up without a fight.
