President Bola Tinubu’s recent decision to rename the University of Maiduguri in honor of the late former president Muhammadu Buhari has drawn a lot of criticism and sparked an expanding online petition.
“In honor of Buhari’s contributions to education and national development, the university will now be known as Muhammadu Buhari University, Maiduguri”, as announced at a Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting.
There have been conflicting responses, particularly in Borno State, where the university is situated. Many alumni, legal professionals, and civil society organizations are against the change, citing symbolic, emotional, and legal concerns, while some residents are in favor of the gesture.
More than 8,800 people have signed the online petition “Preserve the Identity of the University of Maiduguri- A Respectful Appeal Against Renaming.” The petition stated, in part,
“With the deepest respect to the memory and legacy of the late President Muhammadu Buhari; aman whose contributions to Nigeria remain indelible; we believe that renaming the University of Maiduguri does not align with the sentiments of its core stakeholders and the enduring identity the institution has built over the decades.
“The University of Maiduguri is more than just a name. It is a powerful symbol of resilience, academic excellence, and cultural heritage, especially in the face of insecurity that once threatened the North-East region. The name “University of Maiduguri” resonates deeply with the people it serves and reflects the institution’s strategic importance in national development, peacebuilding, and intellectual advancement in Northern Nigeria.
“For over 40 years, this great institution has produced leaders, scholars, diplomats, scientists, and patriots who proudly identify as UNIMAID alumni. Its name is a source of pride not just in Nigeria but across Africa and the global academic community.”
The legality of the move is another issue raised by critics. The university was founded by an Act of the National Assembly, and any name change must adhere to the proper legislative procedure, lawyer Maxwell Opara stated on Arise News.
The renaming of a federal university has caused opposition before. President Goodluck Jonathan’s 2012 attempt to rename the University of Lagos was met with strong public opposition and ultimately abandoned. In response to criticism, a more recent plan to rename the University of Abuja in Yakubu Gowon’s honor also stalled.
Alternative universities that might bear Buhari’s name have been proposed by some, including the Nigerian Army University in Biu, Borno State, and the Federal University in Dutsin Ma, Katsina, his home state.
The National Assembly and President Tinubu have not yet made an official statement. The result, according to observers, may have an impact on how Nigeria handles future renamings of federal institutions.
