By: Ovieomeleh
In a move that is already sparking a mixture of applause, criticism, and reflection across Nigeria, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has officially renamed the University of Maiduguri to Muhammadu Buhari University, in honor of the late former President Muhammadu Buhari.
The announcement was made public on Thursday in a brief but symbolic statement by presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga. Posting on X (formerly Twitter), Onanuga wrote:
“President Tinubu renames University of Maiduguri as MUHAMMADU Buhari University. President Tinubu announced the honour at the session of tributes of the Federal Executive Council to his late predecessor.”
A Monumental Tribute
The renaming was revealed during a solemn session of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) dedicated to honoring the memory and legacy of Buhari, who passed away recently, leaving behind a deeply polarizing legacy of leadership, patriotism, and mixed economic reforms.
For President Tinubu, this move appears to be more than symbolic. It is a gesture of continuity, loyalty, and national remembrance, paying tribute to a man who, despite fierce criticism during and after his tenure, maintained a reputation among some circles as a disciplined, incorruptible leader who prioritized national security and infrastructural development.
The University of Maiduguri, located in Borno State, a region Buhari prioritized in the fight against Boko Haram insurgency; stands as a fitting location for this tribute. Throughout his administration, Buhari paid particular attention to the Northeast, including Maiduguri, often visiting during crises and overseeing military operations meant to restore stability to the region.
Reactions Pour In
Predictably, reactions to the renaming have been swift and mixed.
Supporters of Buhari, including northern political elites and members of the All Progressives Congress (APC), have praised Tinubu’s decision as a worthy honor for a man who governed with restraint, fought corruption, and resisted tribal favoritism, even at personal political cost.
One APC senator from the North East noted:
“This is a rightful gesture. Buhari gave his all, especially to the North-East.
Naming an academic institution in the heart of that region after him will immortalize his commitment to education and peace.”
However, not everyone agrees. Critics on social media and within academia have expressed concern over the timing and implications of the decision. Some question whether it reflects the will of the university community, or if it sends the wrong message to Nigerians still grappling with the consequences of Buhari’s economic policies, rising debt profiles, and perceived insensitivity to national issues.
A university lecturer in Maiduguri, who chose to remain anonymous, commented:
“While no one disputes President Buhari’s role in shaping Nigeria’s modern era, renaming a major federal university without widespread consultation seems rushed. Universities are symbols of intellectual freedom. This decision could be seen as politicizing academia.”
Historical Context
Renaming federal institutions after leaders is not unprecedented in Nigeria. Several landmarks, airports, and institutions bear the names of former presidents and national icons.
However, such renamings often attract national scrutiny, particularly when done shortly after a leader’s death or during times of political uncertainty.
President Tinubu’s gesture can also be interpreted as a political maneuver to solidify Northern support, especially at a time when his administration is facing economic pressure, protests over fuel prices, and criticism over the slow pace of reforms.
It is also notable that this renaming comes while other proposals to immortalize past leaders, including Jonathan and Obasanjo, remain in limbo or heavily contested.
What Next?
As the University of Maiduguri transitions to its new identity as Muhammadu Buhari University, questions remain about what this means for the institution’s autonomy, its students and faculty, and how this will affect perceptions of federal universities as neutral grounds for academic pursuit.
Will the renaming inspire a wave of nationalism and reverence? Or will it deepen the already growing divide between pro and anti-Buhari factions?
Only time will tell.
What do you think? Is this renaming a well deserved national honor or a political misstep? Share your views in the comments.
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