Over 6,000 Alumni, Students of University of Maiduguri Sign Petition, Reject Renaming to Muhammadu Buhari University

Thousands of alumni, students, and concerned citizens have rejected the renaming of the University of Maiduguri to Muhammadu Buhari University, as recently announced by President Bola Tinubu.

The decision was announced on Thursday, July 17, 2025, during an expanded Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting at the Presidential Villa in Abuja. President Tinubu stated that the move was part of efforts to honour the legacy of former President Muhammadu Buhari.

However, thousands of stakeholders have since expressed disapproval, arguing that the name University of Maiduguri holds deep cultural, historical, and emotional significance—especially in a region that has faced years of insurgency and instability.

The opposition was formalized in a public petition, now signed by over 9,000 people within just 48 hours of its release. The petition asserts that UNIMAID represents more than just an academic institution — it is a symbol of resilience, identity, and hope for Northern Nigeria and beyond.

The petition further suggests that if the federal government wishes to immortalise Buhari, institutions more directly connected to his legacy should be considered, such as the Federal University of Transportation in Daura or the Nigerian Army University in Biu.

Below is the full text of the petition:

“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.

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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.“