President Bola Tinubu’s recent announcement to rename the University of Maiduguri after former President Muhammadu Buhari has sparked a storm of reactions from various quarters across the country.
The decision was made public on Wednesday, July 17, during a special Federal Executive Council session held at the State House, Abuja, in honour of the late President. However, the move to rename the institution—popularly known as UNIMAID—has sharply divided opinions among students, lecturers, alumni, and political observers.
Among supporters of the decision is Borno State Commissioner for Finance, Umaru Dalorima, who lauded the symbolic value of associating the university with Buhari. In a social media post, he wrote, “The University of Maiduguri, located in a region deeply scarred by insurgency, being linked with a figure like Buhari is a privilege. His resilience and commitment to national unity mirror the institution’s strength in times of adversity.”
Dalorima argued that Buhari’s values of austere leadership, discipline, and national cohesion align with the ideals universities should instill in students.
The university’s Student Union President, Yahaya Maigari, also expressed cautious support. In a conversation with The PUNCH, he acknowledged that many students were yet to accept the change, especially due to emotional ties and the institution’s long-standing name.
“We will soon celebrate UNIMAID’s 50th anniversary. So you can imagine the attachment students and alumni have to the name,” Maigari explained. “But personally, I believe it’s a worthy honour to recognize Buhari’s lifetime contribution to Nigeria and the North-East in particular.”
Yet, the decision has drawn strong criticism from others.
The Borno State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party, through its Publicity Secretary Amos Adziba, dismissed the renaming as unnecessary, arguing that Buhari had already been honoured by the institution when its Senate Building was named after him.
“Why not rename the Federal University of Transportation in Daura after him instead?” Adziba asked, referring to Buhari’s hometown.
Alumni of the university also voiced their displeasure. Mustapha Audu, a graduate of the Department of Business Administration, questioned the logistical implications. “How do you explain that your degree certificate reads University of Maiduguri, but your transcript says Muhammadu Buhari University? This will create confusion.”
Another graduate, Haja Suleiman, criticised the trend of naming institutions and infrastructure after Buhari and his relatives in the state. “Let UNIMAID remain untouched. Enough projects already bear his name—our Senate building, airport, and several others.”
The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), University of Maiduguri chapter, has hinted at plans to reject the renaming. The chapter’s chairman, Dr. Abubakar MShelia, confirmed that while consultations have been held, the union’s official position will be made public after an upcoming congress meeting.
“Our executive committee and veteran members have discussed this, and we’ve come to a decision. We will make our stance public soon and direct it to the appropriate authorities,” he said.
As debates continue, the renaming of UNIMAID remains a contentious issue that has reignited broader conversations about legacy, national recognition, and institutional identity.
