By Kingston Magare 18-7-2025
President Bola Tinubu’s renaming of the University of Maiduguri, Borno State in honour of late former President Muhammadu Buhari is facing opposition from concerned citizens.
The institution’s alumni and students have petitioned President Tinubu to back track on the move.
The alumni said in a letter circulating on social media that UNIMAID is an established brand of 40 years and renaming it will undermine the identity of the institution.
“The university is a symbol of resilience, academic excellence, and regional pride,” the petitioners, championed by Opeyemi Olatinwo, stated.
“UNIMAID is more than a name; it is a brand and a beacon of hope in the Northeast,” the statement read, adding that there would be significant loss to its “emotional and historical value”.
The group of petitioners averred that though Buhari deserves honour there are other institutions that can immortalise his memory.
“There’s the Federal University of Transportation in Daura, Buhari’s hometown, or the Nigerian Army University in Biu, which aligns with his military and national leadership background.
“This is not a political protest. It is a heartfelt plea for continuity and for the preservation of a name that has survived conflict and nurtured generations of leaders,” the petition stated.
As at Friday the petition has grossed more 1,500 signatories.