Thousands of Nigerians are speaking up after President Bola Ahmed Tinubu announced plans to rename the University of Maiduguri to Muhammadu Buhari University in honour of the late ex-president.
The announcement, made at an expanded Federal Executive Council meeting on July 17, has since sparked massive backlash across social media and academic circles.
Alumni, students, and concerned citizens of Borno State are outraged, arguing that UNIMAID is more than just a name — it’s a symbol of resilience, excellence, and cultural identity, especially in a region long plagued by insecurity.
In less than 48 hours, over 9,000 Nigerians have signed a fast-growing online petition, pleading with President Tinubu to reverse the decision. The petition urges him to consider more symbolic alternatives such as the Federal University of Transportation, Daura (in Buhari’s hometown) or even the Nigerian Army University, Biu, given Buhari’s military background.
“This isn’t about politics,” the petition reads. “It’s about preserving an identity that has inspired generations of scholars in the North-East. We can honour Buhari without erasing UNIMAID’s legacy.”
The movement is gaining momentum fast, with hashtags like #SaveUNIMAID, #KeepTheName, #RespectOurHistory, and #UNIMAIDNotBuhari dominating the trends.
