₦airaland Forum

In Nigeria, it seems nothing is sacred—not even the names of our national monuments. From airports to universities and stadiums, renaming public places after political leaders has become a go-to move for governments trying to immortalize their own. Eyes Of Lagos reports,

But behind every new name is a story — sometimes controversial, sometimes sentimental. Here are five Nigerian monuments that got renamed after politicians, and the real tea behind it.

1. Moshood Abiola National Stadium (Abuja)

Formerly: National Stadium, Abuja
Renamed By: President Muhammadu Buhari
Year: 2019

This iconic stadium was renamed in honour of M.K.O. Abiola, the presumed winner of the annulled 1993 presidential election. Buhari pulled the PR move on Democracy Day, celebrating Abiola as “the martyr of Nigerian democracy.”

Why it matters:[/b] A long-overdue recognition for a man whose stolen mandate reshaped Nigerian politics.

[b]2. Murtala Muhammed International Airport (Lagos)

Formerly: Lagos International Airport
Renamed By: General Olusegun Obasanjo
Year: 1976

Just weeks after General Murtala Muhammed was assassinated in 1976, the Lagos airport was renamed in his honour. Obasanjo, who succeeded him, made sure Murtala’s legacy would fly high—literally.

Why it matters: It’s Nigeria’s busiest airport and a daily reminder of one of the country’s most radical military reformers.

3. Nnamdi Azikiwe University (Awka)

Formerly: Anambra State University of Technology
Renamed By: Federal Government
Year: 1991

Named after Nigeria’s first President, Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, a.k.a. Zik of Africa, this university got a major upgrade when it went federal—and so did its name.

Why it matters: Zik was a pioneer of African nationalism, and the school proudly sits in the South-East as a symbol of Igbo pride.

4. Muhammadu Buhari University (Maiduguri)

Formerly: University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID)
Renamed By: President Bola Ahmed Tinubu
Year: 2025

Yes, you read that right. Tinubu recently renamed UNIMAID after his predecessor, Muhammadu Buhari, during a Federal Executive Council tribute session.

Why it matters: A deeply political gesture. While some applaud it, others are asking, “What legacy are we really honouring?”

5. Obafemi Awolowo University (Ile-Ife)

Formerly: University of Ife
Renamed By: Federal Government
Year: 1987

Renaming the University of Ife after Chief Obafemi Awolowo, a founding father and Yoruba nationalist, was a move welcomed by many. Even students proudly chant “Great Ife!” with extra swag.

Why it matters: Awo remains a symbol of educational reform and visionary politics in the South-West.

Final Thoughts: A Legacy or Just Political Branding?

While some of these renamings honour true national heroes, others feel like vanity projects or power plays. Nigerians are now asking—what’s next? Third Mainland Bridge renamed after someone’s uncle?

One thing’s clear: names carry weight, and in Nigeria, they also carry politics.

Donexy16:
Some renamings are not really necessary. The original names sounded better

Chochocho:
Nnamdi Azikiwe is the biggest name there

Nnamdi Azikiwe airport Abuja
Nnamdi Azikiwe stadium Enugu
Nnamdi Azikiwe university awka

Etc

dontai:
which one is sound better? So naming now depends on sounds, I never know before.

Chochocho:
Nnamdi Azikiwe is the biggest name there

Nnamdi Azikiwe airport Abuja
Nnamdi Azikiwe stadium Enugu
Nnamdi Azikiwe university awka

Etc

Chochocho:
Nnamdi Azikiwe is the biggest name there

Nnamdi Azikiwe airport Abuja
Nnamdi Azikiwe stadium Enugu
Nnamdi Azikiwe university awka

Etc

baby124:
None of these politicians did anything that we even want to remember in Nigeria. We need to stop renaming our monuments with people that failed because it’s like we are cursing ourselves with their names.

Well, except Abiola who created employment for many. Others need to fade into history and carry their family name into the grave with them.

stuffs2002:
Yet Nnamdi Azikiwe was basically a glorified receptionist to Tafawa Balewa because Tafawa Balewa was the head of government.

Nnamdi Azikiwe was just ceremonial office with absolutely no power and had no value whatsoever

Tenisam:
Even Tinubu that is still living has more than 5 monuments renamed after him:

Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre
Bola Ahmed Tinubu Way
Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu Complex (National Library Complex)
Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Airport
Bola Ahmed Tinubu Barracks
Bola Ahmed Tinubu Federal Polytechnic, Gwarinpa, Abuja
Bola Ahmed Tinubu Technology Innovation Complex (BATTIC).

autoez:
Past leaders should always be acknowledged for their contributions. I often remind people that if they're dissatisfied with their leaders, instead of criticizing them, they should strive to reach leadership positions themselves to implement what they believe is right. Many underestimate the challenges that come with such roles.