In a move that has sparked widespread debate across the nation, the Federal Government has thrown its weight behind President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s decision to rename the University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID) in honour of the late former President Muhammadu Buhari.
The renaming, announced during a special session of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) held in Buhari’s memory, has elicited both praise and criticism from Nigerians. While many view it as a fitting tribute to a statesman who shaped Nigeria’s modern political landscape, others have raised concerns about altering the identity of an institution with over five decades of academic heritage.
Responding to the national conversation, Minister of Education Olatunji Alausa released a statement on Friday, describing the renaming as “a powerful tribute” to Buhari’s legacy — one he says has left an indelible mark on Nigeria’s developmental journey.
“The Ministry of Education is deeply honoured that the education sector has been chosen as the channel through which the late President’s legacy will be permanently enshrined,” Alausa stated. The official statement, signed by Boriowo Folasade, Director of Press and Public Relations, was shared via the ministry’s verified X (formerly Twitter) account.
Buhari, who passed away on July 13, 2023, at the age of 82 in a London clinic, was laid to rest in his hometown of Daura, Katsina State, following a state funeral. His death marked the end of an era, capping a life dedicated to public service — from military governance in Borno State to two terms as Nigeria’s democratically elected president.
Supporters of the renaming argue that Buhari’s imprint on Nigeria’s political and developmental fabric is too significant to ignore. Under his administration (2015–2023), the nation witnessed sweeping reforms in security, anti-corruption, infrastructure, agriculture, and human capital development. Initiatives like the Treasury Single Account (TSA), the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP), the Anchor Borrowers’ Programme, and social investment schemes became cornerstones of his tenure.
“President Buhari’s leadership was not just defined by policies but by his commitment to national renewal,” Alausa noted. “Renaming the University of Maiduguri is more than symbolic—it is a reaffirmation of the values he stood for.”
Alausa further commended President Tinubu for what he called an “act of deep empathy and respect,” stressing that the decision underscores the current administration’s recognition of education as the foundation for national progress.
“President Tinubu’s unwavering focus on human capital development reflects a seamless continuation of the values shared by both leaders,” the minister added. “The Ministry remains committed to upholding the ideals of service, integrity, and excellence championed by both the late President Buhari and President Tinubu.”
As public opinion remains divided, what is clear is that the conversation around legacy, national values, and institutional memory has been reignited — and for many, that in itself is a legacy worth honouring.
