There are still disagreements among Nigerians, and in Borno, the state where the University of Maiduguri was renamed in honor of the late former President Muhammadu Buhari.
Additionally, numerous commentators questioned if President Bola Tinubu’s renaming of the organization without first consulting the National Assembly was lawful.
More than 7,500 people had signed a social media petition calling for the designation to be reversed by Saturday noon.
Nigerians have previously objected to public facilities being renamed after political individuals.
Stakeholders, including current and former students, protested last December when the University of Abuja was renamed after former military Head of State Yakubu Gowon.
After Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde renamed The Polytechnic, Ibadan, after its first rector, the late Omololu Olunloyo, who went on to become the governor of Old Oyo State in 1983, students there also took to the streets last month.
Former President Goodluck Jonathan was obliged to change the name of the University of Lagos (UNILAG) in 2012 due to popular outcry against Moshood Abiola, the victor of the annulled presidential election held on June 12, 1993. Ironically, one of the people who criticized Mr. Jonathan’s choice was President Tinubu.
During an enlarged Federal Executive Council meeting on Thursday, President Tinubu of Muhammadu Buhari University in Maiduguri announced the renaming. The purpose of the meeting was to honor the late president and provide his family with national condolences.
The honor was given in recognition of Mr. Buhari’s dedication to the advancement of education, according to Education Minister Maruf Alausa.
Some Borno locals began to voice their disapproval shortly after the announcement, claiming that Mr. Buhari already had too many public buildings in the state bearing his name, including an airport.
A number of lengthy strikes by university professors during the late president’s administration led some experts to doubt his dedication to the education sector.
Other detractors questioned the change’s constitutionality, pointing out that the president does not have the authority to change the university’s name because it was founded by National Assembly legislation.
From a legal perspective, the University of Maiduguri was founded under the University of Maiduguri Act. Maxwell Opara, a lawyer and public analyst, stated on Arise TV’s News Day show that the president had now renamed the university after Muhammadu Buhari without consulting anyone or taking into account their opinions.
The rule of law is the foundation of our country. Austin Maho, a lecturer at the International Institute of Journalism, stated on Arise TV’s newspaper review segment that “there should be a process of naming institutions after an individual so that the process is transparent.”
The petition
A petition asking President Tinubu to change his mind has been signed by Nigerians. “Preserve the identity of the University of Maiduguri—A respectful appeal against renaming the University of Maiduguri to Muhammadu Buhari University” is the title of the petition.
Instead, the petitioners suggested that he rename the Army University in Biu, Borno State, or the Federal University in Dutsin-Ma, Katsina State, in honor of the late president.
“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,” they said, adding that their petition was not intended to denigrate the efforts of the late president.
The University of Maiduguri is more than just a name, they argued. It is a potent representation of tenacity, scholastic achievement, and cultural legacy, particularly in light of the uncertainty that formerly threatened the Northeast. The institution’s vital importance in Northern Nigeria’s intellectual advancement, peacebuilding, and national development is reflected in its name, “University of Maiduguri,” which strikes a profound chord with the people it serves.
“This outstanding university has produced leaders, academics, diplomats, scientists, and patriots who have been pleased to call themselves UNIMAID graduates for more than 40 years. In Nigeria as well as in Africa and the international academic world, its name is a source of pride.
“We humbly ask Your Excellency to take another look and undo the University of Maiduguri’s renaming. Although we respect President Muhammadu Buhari’s memory, we think his name may be preserved through different national monuments, research facilities, or legacy initiatives that won’t change the university’s historic identity, which is so cherished by its community,” the petition stated.
As Democrats, the petitioners hoped that Mr. Tinubu would hear their pleas.
However, the new name is also supported by a large number of people in Borno State. They said it was fitting for the late president because he was the son of a Borno lady and helped bring about some peace in Borno State during his presidency.
