₦airaland Forum

Preserve the identity of the University of Maiduguri – A respectful appeal against renaming University of Maiduguri to Muhammadu Buhari University

His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR
President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces,
Federal Republic of Nigeria

We, the alumni, students, and concerned citizens, write this heartfelt appeal to Your Excellency regarding the recent decision to rename the University of Maiduguri to Muhammadu Buhari University.

With the deepest respect to the memory and legacy of the late President Muhammadu Buhari — a man 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.

Our Appeal:
We respectfully request Your Excellency to reconsider and reverse the renaming of the University of Maiduguri. While we hold the memory of President Muhammadu Buhari in high regard, we believe his name can be immortalized through alternative national monuments, research institutes, or legacy projects that will not alter the historic identity of a university so beloved by its community.

In this regard, we respectfully propose that the Federal University of Transportation, Daura — a relatively new and highly symbolic institution located in former President Buhari’s hometown — could be considered for renaming. This would serve as a more fitting tribute, rooted in personal legacy, regional pride, and national relevance. Also, considering his background as a retired military general, the Nigerian Army University Biu, stands out as another fitting institution that could be renamed in honour of the Late Former President Muhammadu Buhari. It reflects both his military heritage and his contributions to national leadership.

Preserving this name is not a political position; it is a plea for continuity, emotional attachment, and the integrity of a brand that has stood the test of time and conflict. Let us honor both the legacy of former President Buhari and the soul of UNIMAID — without erasing the identity of either.

We trust in your wisdom, fairness, and commitment to national unity and stakeholder engagement.

Thank you, Your Excellency.

Him for name am University of Muhammadu Buhari.
Dude is just too shallow in his reasoning. Na so him get up one morning and shout, fuel subsidy is gone, till today Nigeria never recover, him still get up one morning and change the national anthem, now he has change the name of a Renounce university to someone who put the nation's into more suffering. Him for name University of lagos after Buhari if he truly cares

They rejected the renaming of UniLag after MKO Abiola but feels good in his grandiosity that he can just wake up to rename UniMaid after Muhammadu Buhari.

Why the haste to rename a structure after the disaster he took over from? Why not name the transport university Rotimi Amaechi built in Daura after him since you are obsessed with self immortalization while the country is a mess?

His Excellency, President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu (GCFR) consulted with ALL stakeholders before reaching conclusion.

The idea about renaming an institution in his hometown does not holistically sell or achieve the aim and purpose. The motive is keeping his memory and legacy’s alive, outside his abode.

It should be an honor to student and staffs that His Excellency, President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu (GCFR) chose the school out of hundreds.

Staffs and student should appreciate the gesture bestowed on them. It’s a new dawn.

Racoon:
They rejected the renaming of UniLag after MKO Abiola but fells he can just wake up to rename UniMaid after Muhammadu Buhari.

Why the haste to rename a structure after the disaster he took over from? Why not name the transport university Rotimi Amaechi built in Daura after him since you are obsessed with self immortalization while the country is a mess?

that's true. In 2012, President Tinubu personally received over 100 students of Unilag and accepted their petition letter. Now, it is time to listen to the UNIMAID community. They do not want the renaming to MBU.

What is good for UNILAG is good for UNIMAID

CoronaVirusPro:
His Excellency, President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu (GCFR) consulted with ALL stakeholders before reaching conclusion.

The idea about renaming an institution in his hometown does not holistically sell or achieve the aim and purpose. The motive is keeping his memory and legacy’s alive, outside his abode.

It should be an honor to student and staffs that His Excellency, President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu (GCFR) chose the school out of hundreds.

Staffs and student should appreciate the gesture bestowed on them. It’s a new dawn.

So university of Lagos do not appreciate MKO Abiola?

CoronaVirusPro:
His Excellency, President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu (GCFR) consulted with ALL stakeholders before reaching conclusion.

The idea about renaming an institution in his hometown does not holistically sell or achieve the aim and purpose. The motive is keeping his memory and legacy’s alive, outside his abode.

It should be an honor to student and staffs that His Excellency, President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu (GCFR) chose the school out of hundreds.

Staffs and student should appreciate the gesture bestowed on them. It’s a new dawn.

Why then did Yoruba people reject the renaming of UNILAG to Abiola university?

CoronaVirusPro:
His Excellency, President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu (GCFR) consulted with ALL stakeholders before reaching conclusion.

The idea about renaming an institution in his hometown does not holistically sell or achieve the aim and purpose. The motive is keeping his memory and legacy’s alive, outside his abode. ...

Just imagine how you are struggling to make sense here. It is always difficult defending all the gaffes and goofs of this man called Tinubu.

MKO Abiola was from Ogun state and Jonathan felt UniLag a primier FG institution of learning should be renamed after him. However, Yorubas led by Tinubu and you lots opposed it. Now in his characteristic itchy, nervy and impulsiveness under the influence is attempting to do what he opposed.

Same thing with the fuel subsidy issue, fighting against oppression, One-Party State. The solemn fact is whatever evil he has fought against, he has done worst. Posterity will not be kind to such egocentric minded fellas.

CoronaVirusPro:
His Excellency, President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu (GCFR) consulted with ALL stakeholders before reaching conclusion.

The idea about renaming an institution in his hometown does not holistically sell or achieve the aim and purpose. The motive is keeping his memory and legacy’s alive, outside his abode.

It should be an honor to student and staffs that His Excellency, President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu (GCFR) chose the school out of hundreds.

Staffs and student should appreciate the gesture bestowed on them. It’s a new dawn.

All the pro-Buhari and pro-Asiwaju supporters on our alumni group have unanimously rejected the renaming. This is not political please.

As at 11.00pm this evening, over 1000 people have signed the petition appealing against the renaming of the University of Maiduguri to Muhammadu Buhari University.

We ask you to lend your voice as well. Thank you!

The international airport in Maiduguri is already named Muhammadu Buhari International Airport, why name two major infrastructures in same city after one person? Please rethink this decision Mr. President


#UnimaidForever #PreserveOurLegacy



The information just reaching us is that even the VC and the University Management were all taken by surprise.

Who exactly did President Bola Ahmed Tinubu consult with before taking this decision?

We reject the renaming of one of the oldest Universities in Nigeria.

#Unimaid Forever #PreserveOurLegacy

PMG2024:
Preserve the identity of the University of Maiduguri – A respectful appeal against renaming University of Maiduguri to Muhammadu Buhari University

His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR
President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces,
Federal Republic of Nigeria

We, the alumni, students, and concerned citizens, write this heartfelt appeal to Your Excellency regarding the recent decision to rename the University of Maiduguri to Muhammadu Buhari University.

With the deepest respect to the memory and legacy of the late President Muhammadu Buhari — a man 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.

Our Appeal:
We respectfully request Your Excellency to reconsider and reverse the renaming of the University of Maiduguri. While we hold the memory of President Muhammadu Buhari in high regard, we believe his name can be immortalized through alternative national monuments, research institutes, or legacy projects that will not alter the historic identity of a university so beloved by its community.

In this regard, we respectfully propose that the Federal University of Transportation, Daura — a relatively new and highly symbolic institution located in former President Buhari’s hometown — could be considered for renaming. This would serve as a more fitting tribute, rooted in personal legacy, regional pride, and national relevance. Also, considering his background as a retired military general, the Nigerian Army University Biu, stands out as another fitting institution that could be renamed in honour of the Late Former President Muhammadu Buhari. It reflects both his military heritage and his contributions to national leadership.

Preserving this name is not a political position; it is a plea for continuity, emotional attachment, and the integrity of a brand that has stood the test of time and conflict. Let us honor both the legacy of former President Buhari and the soul of UNIMAID — without erasing the identity of either.

We trust in your wisdom, fairness, and commitment to national unity and stakeholder engagement.

Thank you, Your Excellency.

I no know who dey advise una President oooh. The people are doing a very bad job. The man doesn't want to wake up and work to meet up the mandate he was given by the court of law.

I see renaming of academic institutions as unnecessary. A bill should be sponsored by one of our thieves to ban it!

FG should replace late buhari picture with the man on #500 naira immediately according to majority of Nigerians.

LordIsaac:
I see renaming of academic institutions as unnecessary. A bill should be sponsored by one of our thieves to ban it!

My thoughts exactly. If I ever make my way to the National Assembly, it is definitely one of the bills I will wholeheartedly sponsor. Imagine a US President just waking up one day to rename Harvard University?!

Critique of Renaming University of Maiduguri to “Muhammadu Buhari University”

By
Umar Ardo, Ph.D

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s decision to rename the University of Maiduguri as “Muhammadu Buhari University, Maiduguri” in honour of the late former President Muhammadu Buhari has raised fundamental questions regarding its logic, appropriateness and historical justice. While the gesture may appear symbolic on the surface, a critical examination exposes its lack of intellectual, cultural and moral grounding.

2. First and foremost, Muhammadu Buhari was a career military officer and a politician - not an academic, educationist or intellectual in any public sense. His legacy, whether praised or criticized, is rooted in his military career, his ascension to the presidency and his distinct governing style marked by authoritarian tendencies, economic conservatism and a controversial anti-corruption crusade. Renaming a university, a citadel of learning, knowledge, research and intellectualism, after someone whose relationship with academia is at best peripheral, if not outright tenuous, dilutes the institution’s identity and purpose.

3. ⁠Universities are ideally named after figures whose lives and legacies exemplify educational values, critical thinking, nation-building through scholarship or transformative contributions to education policy. In this regard, Buhari’s record does not resonate with such ideals. The naming of the university after him is thus a clear mismatch between legacy and institutional identity.

4. Instructively also, the University of Maiduguri is neither situated in Buhari’s home state of Katsina nor in his geopolitical zone of the North-West. It is in Borno State, a region with its own rich historical figures, political icons and educational pioneers who could be more appropriately celebrated in a naming gesture. Buhari did not attend, teach at or found the University of Maiduguri. Nor did he demonstrate any special affinity or leave an indelible mark on the institution during his presidency. In this light, the renaming appears arbitrary and lacking not only in cultural relevance to the host community, but also lacking of geographical and emotional relevance.

5. There is also the question of historical fairness. The University of Maiduguri, along with six other federal universities, was established by the late General Murtala Ramat Muhammed in 1975 as part of a visionary policy to expand access to tertiary education across the country. Yet, none of these institutions bear his name. General Murtala’s short but impactful leadership laid critical foundations for Nigeria’s modern administrative and educational systems. If any leader deserves to have a university named after him - especially one of the seven he established - it is Murtala Muhammed.

6. To overlook Murtala and instead honour Buhari, who did not initiate nor significantly reform Nigeria’s higher education sector, is to distort historical credit and deny rightful recognition. Not to have thus honoured him is a historical injustice to the late General Muhammed.

7. If the intention was genuinely to honour President Buhari for his service to the country, several other avenues would have been more appropriate and meaningful:
• A military academy or barracks, given his identity as a soldier and former Head of State;
• A rural development institute, if one were to associate him with the “change” rhetoric and agricultural initiatives of his administration; or
• A public structure in Katsina, his home state, thereby maintaining a geographical and emotional resonance.

8. Honouring public figures posthumously is not inherently objectionable. But it must be done with a sense of proportionality, cultural sensitivity, institutional relevance and historical justice. The naming of national monuments or educational institutions should not be driven by political patronage, sentimental populism or hasty gestures of appeasement. This act, like the previous ones of the Tinubu regime, is a dangerous policy of politicizing institutions of learning by tying their identities to transient political figures rather than enduring national ideals or educational pioneers. Universities must transcend ephemeral politics and serve as beacons of critical inquiry, not as memorials to partisan figures whose legacies remain contested in the public sphere.

9. For any rational mind, President Tinubu’s decision to rename the University of Maiduguri, Alma Mata, after Muhammadu Buhari is ill-advised and conceptually misplaced. It undermines both the institutional integrity of the university and the historical contributions of those more deserving of such recognition. Nigeria must adopt a principled and thoughtful approach in immortalizing its leaders, especially in ways that inspire future generations and reflect the true spirit of the institutions being renamed. Rather than rewrite history to suit contemporary political narratives, we must honour history by upholding truth, merit and relevance. This gesture, unfortunately, fails on all counts.


@Mynd44

#PreserveOurLegacy #UnimaidForever

A grouping number of people have rejected the decision by Mr. president to rename the University of Maiduguri to Muhammadu Buhari University.

You can amplify this by adding your voice.

#UnimaidForever

STOP RENAMING EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS AFTER POLITICIANS.

@Mynd44


#UnimaidForever

PMG2024:
My thoughts exactly. If I ever make my way to the National Assembly, it is definitely one of the bills I will wholeheartedly sponsor. Imagine a US President just waking up one day to rename Harvard University?!

US Government doesn't own any University. In Nigeria, the Federal Government owns many Universities

babzo:
US Government doesn't own any University. In Nigeria, the Federal Government owns many Universities

The US government does not own but it does fund universities in the USA.

Again, what about Cambridge and Oxford?

PMG2024:
Preserve the identity of the University of Maiduguri – A respectful appeal against renaming University of Maiduguri to Muhammadu Buhari University

His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR
President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces,
Federal Republic of Nigeria

We, the alumni, students, and concerned citizens, write this heartfelt appeal to Your Excellency regarding the recent decision to rename the University of Maiduguri to Muhammadu Buhari University.

With the deepest respect to the memory and legacy of the late President Muhammadu Buhari — a man 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.

Our Appeal:
We respectfully request Your Excellency to reconsider and reverse the renaming of the University of Maiduguri. While we hold the memory of President Muhammadu Buhari in high regard, we believe his name can be immortalized through alternative national monuments, research institutes, or legacy projects that will not alter the historic identity of a university so beloved by its community.

In this regard, we respectfully propose that the Federal University of Transportation, Daura — a relatively new and highly symbolic institution located in former President Buhari’s hometown — could be considered for renaming. This would serve as a more fitting tribute, rooted in personal legacy, regional pride, and national relevance. Also, considering his background as a retired military general, the Nigerian Army University Biu, stands out as another fitting institution that could be renamed in honour of the Late Former President Muhammadu Buhari. It reflects both his military heritage and his contributions to national leadership.

Preserving this name is not a political position; it is a plea for continuity, emotional attachment, and the integrity of a brand that has stood the test of time and conflict. Let us honor both the legacy of former President Buhari and the soul of UNIMAID — without erasing the identity of either.

We trust in your wisdom, fairness, and commitment to national unity and stakeholder engagement.

Thank you, Your Excellency.

You guys will have to massively hit the streets of Maiduguri like the UNILAG students did years back before you will be taken seriously and the government and/or the President of Nigeria would listen. If NOT, then the new name would remain permanentky. The University of Abuja was renamed "Yakubu Gowon University, Abuja" just in 2024 and the rebranding looks OK to me with the new name. The Abuja master plan was also initiated by his Gowon's military government, so the renaming wasn't too bad.

Tbh, I know that it's simply because Muhammadu Buhari was once the military Governor of a large state that encompassed Borno and Yobe States that the government renamed that institution after Buhari whose mother also had mixed Hausa and Kanuri ancestral heritage. The then "National Stadium in Abuja" was rightly renamed to "MKO Abiola National Stadium, Abuja" because as a multimillionaire, he was regarded as the "pillar of sports" having funding sports activities the most as a private citizen and business mogul while alive.

The Nigerian President would also have consulted with the now Vice-President Kashim Shettima over the renaming being a former student of that institution as seen right BELOW.

=>https://www.nairaland.com/7606556/kashim-shettima-shares-photo-undergraduate#121656808


Because of the purpose of branding, I absolutely do NOT like the idea of changing the original names of educational and medical institutions to the names of prominent people who have passed on.

Konquest:
You guys will have to massively hit the streets of Maiduguri like the UNILAG students did years back before you will be taken seriously and the government and/or the President of Nigeria would listen. If NOT, then the new name would remain permanentky. The University of Abuja was renamed "Yakubu Gowon University, Abuja" just in 2024 and the rebranding looks OK to me with the new name. The Abuja master plan was also initiated by his Gowon's military government, so the renaming wasn't too bad.

Tbh, I know that it's simply because Muhammadu Buhari was once the military Governor of a large state that encompassed Borno and Yobe States that the government renamed that institution after Buhari whose mother also had mixed Hausa and Kanuri ancestral heritage. The then "National Stadium in Abuja" was rightly renamed to "MKO Abiola National Stadium, Abuja" because as a multimillionaire, he was regarded as the "pillar of sports" having funding sports activities the most as a private citizen and business mogul while alive.

The Nigerian President would also have consulted with the now Vice-President Kashim Shettima over the renaming being a former student of that institution as seen right BELOW.

=>https://www.nairaland.com/7606556/kashim-shettima-shares-photo-undergraduate#121656808


Because of the purpose of branding, I absolutely do NOT like the idea of changing the original names of educational and medical institutions to the names of prominent people who have passed on.

Thank you for your brilliant submission. I can tell you for free that the VC and the academic community were taken aback by the announcement. VP Kashim Shettima isn't the only one that should have been consulted, should he? Borno indigenes are so livid. Literally every major infrastructure in Maiduguri has Buhari on it. Including the Senate Building, Female Hostel, Teaching Hospital and other centers of UNIMAID. The International Airport also. It only reeks of high service to be very honest. But like you have rightly said, the ball is in our courts as stakeholders of UNIMAID.

PMG2024:
Thank you for your brilliant submission. I can tell you for free that the VC and the academic community were taken aback by the announcement. VP Kashim Shettima isn't the only one that should have been consulted, should he? Borno indigenes are so livid. Literally every major infrastructure in Maiduguri has Buhari on it. Including the Senate Building, Female Hostel, Teaching Hospital and other centers of UNIMAID. The International Airport also. It only reeks of high service to be very honest. But like you have rightly said, the ball is in our courts as stakeholders of UNIMAID.

@PMG2024

The pleasure is mine.

Absolutely well said. I didn't even realize that Muhammudu Buhari has many monuments named after him in Borno State. One thing I noticed about Tinubu is that once something gets to his notice, he changes course from the earlier intended plan and listens to the voice of the people if it's a rational thing to do.

You folks will have to let him know personal through 'Femi Gbaja his Chief-of-Staff and the VP Shettima himself about the alreaady existing multiple naming of infrastructure after Buhari in Maiduguri. That to me is an overkill! Besides, he's from Katsina State, so Katsina majorly (or any military institution) can have Federal institutions renamed after him. Till date, many alumni who attended the "University of Ife" still prefer by default to identify themselves as products of "University of Ife" NOT "Obafemi Awolowo University, Ife" despite the FACT that Chief Jeremiah Obafemi Awolowo, GCFR, SAN, was an iconic man who brought innovative development to the Old Western Region.

Cheers.

Konquest:
@PMG2024

The pleasure is mine.

Absolutely well said. I didn't even realize that Muhammudu Buhari has many monuments named after him in Borno State. One thing I noticed about Tinubu is that once something gets to his notice, he changes course from the earlier intended plan and listens to the voice of the people if it's a rational thing to do.

You folks will have to let him know personal through 'Femi Gbaja his Chief-of-Staff and the VP Shettima himself about the alreaady existing multiple naming of infrastructure after Buhari in Maiduguri. That to me is an overkill! Besides, he's from Katsina State, so Katsina majorly (or any military institution) can have Federal institutions renamed after him. Till date, many alumni who attended the "University of Ife" still prefer by default to identify themselves as products of "University of Ife" NOT "Obafemi Awolowo University, Ife" despite the FACT that Chief Jeremiah Obafemi Awolowo, GCFR, SAN, was an iconic man who brought innovative development to the Old Western Region.

Cheers.

Thanks brother. I appreciate your contributions and valuable insights. We will diplomatically engage those you have advised. God bless you!