Nigerian academician Yakubu Wudil has sparked intense debate after publicly criticizing President Bola Tinubu’s decision to rename the University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID) after late President Muhammadu Buhari. The move was announced during an extended Federal Executive Council meeting held in Buhari’s honor on July 17, stirring mixed reactions across the nation.
Wudil, while acknowledging the gesture was likely done in good faith, expressed his strong disapproval, insisting that renowned institutions like UNIMAID carry historic significance and should not be altered for political tributes. He argued that if a university must be renamed, the Federal University of Transportation, Daura — located in Buhari’s hometown — would have been a more appropriate choice.
“How would Americans feel if Harvard was suddenly renamed to Barack Obama University?” he questioned, drawing a striking analogy that left social media buzzing. His statement has since gone viral, igniting debates on institutional identity, political honor, and national pride.
