BREAKING NEWS: President Tinubu Officially Renames University of Maiduguri to Muhammadu Buhari University

In a significant development from Nigeria’s education sector, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has officially renamed the prestigious University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID) to Muhammadu Buhari University in honour of his immediate predecessor.

This important announcement was made public via an official statement shared by the Presidential spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, on Thursday, June 13, 2025. The decision was made during a solemn session of tributes at the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting dedicated to the late former President Muhammadu Buhari.

Bayo Onanuga, in his post on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter), conveyed:

“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.”

This renaming is viewed as a profound gesture to immortalize Buhari’s legacy, especially in the northern region where the institution is located. The University of Maiduguri, founded in 1975, has been a critical academic institution in the North-Eastern part of Nigeria, contributing immensely to education, research, and national development. Now bearing the name of Muhammadu Buhari, it is expected to symbolize enduring national values, leadership, and historical continuity.

The announcement has since generated discussions across Nigeria’s academic, political, and social spheres. Supporters see it as a fitting tribute to Buhari’s impact on national security and regional development, especially in combating insurgency in the North-East.

For context, Muhammadu Buhari served as Nigeria’s President from 2015 to 2023, overseeing significant infrastructural projects, anti-corruption campaigns, and efforts to stabilize Nigeria’s security landscape—especially in Boko Haram-ravaged regions like Borno State where the university is situated.

Reactions and Implications

Many observers and stakeholders are keen on how the renaming would influence the institution’s identity, branding, and national perception. Similar gestures in the past, such as renaming of federal institutions, have often been met with mixed reactions from alumni, students, and educationists.

Nonetheless, with the renaming of UNIMAID, the government signals its intent to preserve historical narratives and honour distinguished national figures who have shaped Nigeria’s socio-political journey.