Iliyasu Abdullahi Bah
The announcement by President Bola Tinubu to rename the University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID) as Muhammadu Buhari University has sparked intense debate across Nigeria, drawing mixed reactions from academics, students, political figures, and the general public.
The decision, made during Thursday’s Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting, was presented as a move to immortalize the late former President Muhammadu Buhari, who recently passed away after a prolonged illness.
However, the proposal has been met with both praise and fierce opposition, highlighting deep divisions over the legacy of the former leader and the appropriateness of renaming a long-established institution.
Supporters of the decision, particularly within the All Progressives Congress (APC) and northern political circles, have lauded the move as a fitting tribute to Buhari’s contributions to Nigeria, especially in the Northeast.
Aminu Bala, an alumnus of UNIMAID, described the renaming as a necessary honor for a leader whose impact on Nigeria’s political and academic landscape remains undeniable.
“This is not just a political gesture but a recognition of a man who dedicated his life to the service of Borno State and Nigeria at large. Buhari’s legacy is woven into the fabric of this nation, and naming the university after him cements his place in our academic and cultural history,” Bala said.
However, the decision has faced significant backlash from academics, students, and civil society groups who argue that UNIMAID’s 50-year-old identity should not be altered.
Mohammed Auwal, a lecturer at the university, expressed skepticism, suggesting that the move was politically motivated.
“The federal government knows how to win votes, and this seems like another attempt to appeal to the northern electorate,” he remarked.
Abba Massa, a Maiduguri resident and alumnus, questioned why the government did not consider renaming the University of Transportation in Daura—a newer institution built during Buhari’s tenure—instead of altering UNIMAID’s established brand.
“Why tamper with an institution that already has global recognition?” Massa asked.
The debate has spilled over onto social media, where opinions remain sharply divided.
Bashir Ahmed, a prominent commentator, defended the decision on his X handle, noting that Borno State held a special place in Buhari’s heart.
“He visited Borno more than any other state during his presidency, including his home state of Katsina. This renaming is a way of honoring that connection,” he wrote.
Yakubu Sani Wudil argued that while the intention may be noble, the execution is flawed.
“If the goal was to honor Buhari, why not choose the University of Transportation in Daura instead of UNIMAID, which already has a strong identity?” he asked, comparing it to renaming Harvard University after a former U.S. president, which would likely face resistance.
An alumnus of the university, Adamu Aliyu Ngulde, echoed similar concerns, wondering why Katsina State University was not considered for the honor instead.
The academic community has also raised practical concerns about the implications of such a change. Elizabeth Ojokoju, a lecturer, jokingly remarked:
“Ikon Allah (God willing), I guess they didn’t consult the academic staff. Now we’ll have MBU instead of UNIMAID—only in Nigeria!”
Beyond the jokes, many fear the logistical nightmare of rebranding certificates, transcripts, and institutional records, as well as the potential impact on the university’s international partnerships.
Opposition parties and civil society organizations have accused the Tinubu administration of politicizing education, with some viewing the move as a strategic effort to consolidate northern support ahead of the 2027 elections.
An online petition opposing the renaming has already garnered over 1,600 verified signatures, urging the president to reconsider.
“UNIMAID’s name carries decades of academic pride and history,” the petition reads. “We should honor Buhari without erasing the identity of one of Nigeria’s foremost universities.”
As the controversy unfolds, the National Universities Commission (NUC) faces the challenge of navigating the formalities of the name change amid growing disagreement. While some propose alternative memorials—such as naming a new federal university after Buhari or dedicating a college within UNIMAID in his honor—others insist that the institution’s name should remain untouched.