Why President Tinubu Renamed UNIMAID After Muhammadu Buhari – Education Minister Provides Clarity Amid Nigerians’ Mixed Responses

The decision of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to rename the University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID) after the late former President Muhammadu Buhari has attracted widespread discussions across the country. While some Nigerians applaud the renaming, others question the rationale behind renaming an institution with over five decades of history.

The Federal Government has provided further insight into the motivations behind Tinubu’s decision. The Minister of Education, Olatunji Alausa, through an official statement on Friday, shed light on the matter, describing the renaming as a meaningful tribute to Buhari’s lasting contributions to Nigeria’s socio-political landscape.

The statement, which was endorsed by Boriowo Folasade, Director of Press and Public Relations in the Ministry of Education, was shared on the ministry’s verified X (formerly Twitter) handle, affirming the government’s position.

According to Minister Alausa, “The Ministry of Education feels deeply privileged that the educational sector has been chosen as the platform to immortalize the legacy of the late President Muhammadu Buhari.” He emphasized that such recognition signifies the enduring impact Buhari made on the nation’s trajectory.

This announcement followed a special session of the Federal Executive Council (FEC), organized to honour Buhari’s memory. The former President died on July 13, 2023, at the age of 82 while receiving treatment in a London clinic. After his passing, Buhari was laid to rest in his hometown of Daura, Katsina State, where he was given a state funeral attended by national and international dignitaries.

Public reaction to the renaming of UNIMAID has been divided. While a section of Nigerians consider it a worthy gesture acknowledging Buhari’s historical significance — especially since he once served as military governor of Borno State before his tenure as Nigeria’s democratic leader — others argue that changing the name of an institution established over 50 years ago may not have been necessary.

Responding to these concerns, Education Minister Alausa defended the presidential directive, clarifying that the renaming carries deeper connotations beyond a mere symbolic act. He elaborated that Buhari’s administration from 2015 to 2023 was characterized by substantial reforms in areas such as national security, anti-corruption, infrastructure, agriculture, and human capital development.

Among the landmark initiatives under Buhari’s leadership, Alausa mentioned the Anchor Borrowers’ Programme, the Treasury Single Account (TSA), the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP), and several social investment programs. These policies, according to Alausa, played significant roles in propelling national progress and economic stabilization.

Further appreciating Tinubu’s decision, Alausa described it as an embodiment of “deep empathy and respect,” reflecting President Tinubu’s unwavering belief in the power of education as a critical pillar of national advancement.

He remarked, “President Tinubu’s dedication to fostering human capital development is steadfast, aligning seamlessly with the national renewal vision championed by President Muhammadu Buhari.”

Alausa stressed that the renaming of UNIMAID is more than a ceremonial gesture; it symbolizes the enduring values that Nigeria should continue to uphold — values such as service, integrity, and excellence, which he credited both the late Buhari and President Tinubu for exemplifying throughout their public service careers.

The ministry reaffirmed its commitment to these values, underscoring the importance of preserving and promoting the ideals that have shaped Nigeria’s path to development