The alumni and students of the University of Maiduguri have kicked against the decision by President Bola Tinubu to rename the institution as Muhammadu Buhari University. The groups insist that the University of Maiduguri is more than a name, describing it as a symbol of resilience, academic excellence, and cultural heritage in the North-East.
President Tinubu made the announcement on Thursday, July 17, 2025, during an expanded Federal Executive Council meeting at the Presidential Villa, Abuja. He stated that the renaming of the university was to honour former President Muhammadu Buhari.
Alumni Say University Name Carries Historic Value
The alumni of the institution argued that the University of Maiduguri has grown into an identity that represents the struggles and victories of the region, especially during the years of insecurity caused by insurgency.
“The University of Maiduguri is not just a name. It represents the strength of our people and the hope for a brighter future,” a statement from the alumni association read. They maintained that replacing the name would erase an important part of history.
Suggestions for Alternative Institutions
The protesting groups have called on President Tinubu to reconsider his decision. They suggested that the Federal University of Transportation in Daura or the Army University Biu should be renamed after Buhari instead, citing his ancestral links to Daura and his background as a former military leader.
A public petition has been launched to push for the reversal of the decision. The petition has already gathered over 9,000 signatures within the last 48 hours and continues to gain momentum.
UNIMAID Alumni Kick Against Name Change
The demand by the alumni and students highlights growing resistance to President Tinubu’s decision. They argue that the name “University of Maiduguri” holds a deeper meaning that cannot be replaced by political considerations. The petition shows that more Nigerians are standing with the UNIMAID alumni to preserve the institution’s legacy.
