In a strongly worded open letter now circulating across both social and traditional media platforms, stakeholders acknowledged the contributions of the late former President Muhammadu Buhari but cautioned that altering the university’s name could erode its deeply rooted identity, developed over more than four decades.
The petition, spearheaded by alumnus Opeyemi Olatinwo, described the University of Maiduguri—commonly known as UNIMAID—as “a symbol of resilience, academic excellence, and regional pride.” It also highlighted the institution’s unwavering operations during the peak of the Boko Haram insurgency, when it continued academic activities despite persistent security threats.
“UNIMAID is more than a name; it is a brand and a beacon of hope in the Northeast,” the statement read. Stakeholders argue that renaming the institution would result in a loss of its emotional and historical significance, which has grown steadily since its establishment in 1975.
The petition, which has attracted thousands of endorsements from students, faculty, alumni, and members of the public, contends that the renaming does not reflect the views of the university’s core community or the broader Nigerian populace.
