Outrage As Tinubu Renames University Of Maiduguri After Muhammadu Buhari

The federal government’s decision to rename the University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID) after former President Muhammadu Buhari has sparked outrage across the country.

President Bola Tinubu approved the name change during a special Federal Executive Council session held on Thursday at the Aso Rock Villa in Abuja.

“May we now adopt the University of the Maduguri as the Muhammadu Buhari University,”  Tinubu declared during the session.

In his speech, President Tinubu described Buhari as a man of integrity, discipline, and patriotism.

He acknowledged that Buhari, like all leaders, had his flaws but described him as someone who stayed true to his principles and served Nigeria with sincerity.

The president also highlighted Buhari’s modest lifestyle, saying he resisted the lure of power and remained humble even after leaving office.

Tinubu recalled their political partnership that led to the historic 2015 elections, which saw Nigeria’s first peaceful transfer of power between political parties.

The president ended his tribute by praying for Buhari and encouraging Nigerians to learn from his example.

However, many Nigerians are unhappy with the decision to rename UNIMAID as Muhammadu Buhari University.

Alumni, current students, and members of the public have voiced their concerns, urging Tinubu to reconsider his decision.

In an open letter shared widely online and in the media, stakeholders said while they respect Buhari’s legacy, changing the university’s name disregards its long-standing history and the values it represents.

Opeyemi Olatinwo, who led the petition, described UNIMAID as “a symbol of resilience, academic excellence, and regional pride.”

He highlighted UNIMAID’s enduring role during the years of Boko Haram attacks in the region, when the university kept operating despite the risks.

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

The petition has quickly gathered thousands of signatures from students, alumni, and supporters.

It argued that the name change doesn’t reflect the views of those most closely connected to the institution.

As an alternative, the petitioners suggested honouring Buhari by renaming either the Federal University of Transportation in Daura or the Nigerian Army University in Biu, which better reflects his background in the military.

“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.

As of Friday, over 1,500 new signatures had been added to the petition.

Supporters of UNIMAID’s current name are hopeful that President Tinubu will listen to public sentiment and choose a more inclusive and thoughtful way to honour Buhari’s legacy.

KanyiDaily recalls that Muhammadu Buhari was buried in his hometown of Daura, Katsina State, on Tuesday, July 15, 2025.