A strong wave of opposition is building against the proposed renaming of the University of Maiduguri after former President Muhammadu Buhari, as the institution’s alumni have publicly rejected the move, citing historical and cultural significance.
Speaking on behalf of the alumni, Muazu M. Dikwa, a 2004 Law graduate, issued a passionate statement rejecting what he described as a “misguided attempt” to erase the unique identity of a university that has stood as a beacon of education and resilience in Nigeria’s North-East for decades.
“While we recognise the contributions of former leaders, renaming UNIMAID is not only unnecessary but also an imposition that undermines the spirit and struggles of the Maiduguri community,” Dikwa said.
According to the alumni group, the University of Maiduguri is not just an educational institution, but a powerful symbol of endurance in a region ravaged by insurgency and conflict. They emphasized that its name is closely tied to the identity of Borno State and the broader northeast, making any attempt at renaming both insensitive and out of touch with local sentiment.
They further argued that honour has already been bestowed on the former president through the naming of the Federal University of Transportation in Daura, Katsina State—his hometown—a move they described as “more appropriate and sufficiently symbolic.”
“The Federal University of Transportation in Daura was established during Buhari’s administration and reflects his contributions in that sector. That should be enough. Let UNIMAID be,” the statement read.
The group warned that renaming UNIMAID could trigger unnecessary controversy and alienate key stakeholders, including students, lecturers, and the host community. They urged the Federal Government and the relevant authorities to instead focus on investing in the university’s infrastructure and academic capacity.
“We call on all stakeholders—alumni, faculty, students, traditional rulers, and political leaders from Borno and beyond—to resist this proposal and protect the legacy of our great university,” Dikwa concluded.
The University of Maiduguri, established in 1975, has grown into one of Nigeria’s most respected tertiary institutions and played a central role in intellectual development, peacebuilding, and social cohesion in the region.
With public sentiment building and alumni mobilizing, it remains to be seen whether the proposal will gain traction or face sustained pushback. For now, the message from UNIMAID graduates is loud and clear: “Hands off our university’s name.”
About The Author
