UNIMAID alumni reject plans to rename the university after late President Muhammadu Buhari.
They call it political, urging Tinubu to respect legacy and consult stakeholders before final decision.
Newskobo.com earlier reported that Tinubu has renamed the University of Maiduguri after Muhammadu Buhari.
A coalition of former students and supporters of the University of Maiduguri has strongly opposed the recent decision by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to rename the institution after the late former President Muhammadu Buhari.
In a formal statement issued under the banner of the “Concerned UNIMAID Alumni Association/Friends of UNIMAID,” the group expressed deep dissatisfaction with the announcement, calling it a politically motivated move that disregards the university’s legacy and identity.
Founded in 1975, the University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID) is widely regarded as a symbol of resilience and academic excellence in Nigeria’s Northeast, having persevered through decades of insecurity, economic hardship, and limited funding. It has produced generations of professionals and leaders across various sectors.
“Renaming this prestigious citadel of learning for apparent political gain is not only condemnable but also undermines the university’s hard-earned identity and historical significance,” the statement read.
While acknowledging Buhari’s contributions during his time in office, the group maintained that other avenues exist to honor his legacy, such as founding a new institution or erecting a national monument without altering an existing and culturally significant name.
The group referenced the university’s popular slogan, “If you want to be made, enter UNIMAID,” as a powerful phrase that encapsulates the school’s transformative impact. They argue that renaming the university would not only disrupt this unique identity but could also alienate the university’s community and alums.
Drawing historical context, the statement recalled a similar scenario in 2012, when then-President Goodluck Jonathan attempted to rename the University of Lagos (UNILAG) after Chief Moshood Abiola. That decision was met with widespread protests, primarily from people in the Southwest, eventually forcing the federal government to reverse the plan.
“If a region could reject the renaming of a school in honor of one of their most illustrious sons, then we in the Northeast have every right to reject this Greek gift imposed on UNIMAID,” the statement continued.
The group clarified that its rejection of the renaming is not a dismissal of Buhari’s achievements but a call for respect for institutional identity and public consensus.
They have urged President Tinubu to initiate inclusive stakeholder consultations involving students, alums, faculty members, and the host community before any name change is finalized.
“UNIMAID belongs to all Nigerians, and its name should reflect its enduring legacy, not fleeting political alliances,” the statement concluded.
Na Alumni get the University? University belongs to the Federal Government..