Renaming of UNIMAID causes public uproar

Friday, July 18, 2025 - A growing wave of opposition is trailing the federal government’s recent decision to rename the University of Maiduguri, UNIMAID, as Muhammadu Buhari University.

Already, the alumni, students, and concerned citizens are calling on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to halt the move.

In an open letter widely circulated across social and traditional media,  the stakeholders acknowledged the legacy of the late former President Muhammadu Buhari but cautioned that changing the institution’s name would undermine a well established identity built over more than 40 years.

Describing the university as “a symbol of resilience, academic excellence, and regional pride,” the petitioners, championed by Opeyemi Olatinwo, highlighted UNIMAID’s enduring role during the Boko Haram insurgency, when the institution remained open and active despite security threats.

“UNIMAID is more than a name; it is a brand and a beacon of hope in the Northeast,” the statement read, adding that there would be significant loss to its “emotional and historical value”.

The petition, endorsed by thousands of signatories, including current students and distinguished alumni, argued that the proposed renaming does not reflect the views of the university’s core stakeholders and broader Nigerian public.

While expressing respect for the late president, the group proposed alternative ways to honor him, including renaming the Federal University of Transportation in Daura, Buhari’s hometown, or the Nigerian Army University in Biu, which, according to them, aligns with his military and national leadership background.

“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 petition stated.

The appeal, as at the time of filing this report, has gained momentum online, with over 1,500 new supporters signing it as of today (Friday).

Many of the petitioners emphasized the importance of inclusive consultation when decisions of such national and cultural significance were made.

Supporters of the university’s current name expressed optimism that President Tinubu would demonstrate fairness and sensitivity by revisiting the decision in a manner that both preserves UNIMAID’s legacy and honours Buhari appropriately.