Many Nigerians, including some of Buhari’s supporters, have taken to social media to oppose the move, citing the numerous public institutions already bearing his name, particularly in Borno State.

A wave of criticism has greeted the Tinubu administration’s recent decision to rename the University of Maiduguri after the late President Muhammadu Buhari.

Many Nigerians, including some of Buhari’s supporters, have taken to social media to oppose the move, citing the numerous public institutions already bearing his name, particularly in Borno State.

The backlash follows a special session of the Federal Executive Council held on Thursday in honour of the late president, chaired by President Bola Tinubu.

A notable critic is Ibn Maigana, a known supporter of the late president, who took to Facebook to express his disapproval.

"Honestly, a lot of Borno people are unhappy with the decision of the Presidency to rename Unimaid after Baba Buhari," Maigana wrote.

"Some may keep quiet, but they don’t like it at all, and I want to stand with them, for the fact that a lot of things have already been renamed after him."

He added, "In Unimaid, a world-class conference hall was named after him. Our only airport was named after him. A mega school was named after him—and now the whole institution that makes people, as the slogan glorifies: ‘If you want to be made, come to Unimaid.’

"Believe me, late Buhari had a Borno blood in him until he passed away, because his mother was a Kanuri woman with tiny nine tribal marks on her face. We love him more than anyone else."

Despite his admiration for the late leader, Maigana appealed for reconsideration, saying, "However, this decision, as others suggest, I equally wish the President would reconsider—renaming the institution."

Another Facebook user, Kashim Usman Sheriff, echoed similar sentiments and suggested other individuals deserving of the honour.

"Buhari has had a lot of honor in Maiduguri: Muhammadu Buhari International Airport, Muhammadu Buhari Senate building, Muhammadu Buhari trauma center (TH), and Aisha Buhari female hostel in the University of Maiduguri,” Sheriff said.

“I think Sani Abacha and Umaru Musa Yar'Adua also deserve to be honored, and precisely they served this country even better than Buhari did."

Another user, Natasha Shingu Alexander, expressed frustration over the change and its potential impact on students and certificates.

"Unimaid is now Muhammadu buhari university… no university for late Buhari state, why must it be university of maiduguri? so our certificate will be changed to MBU. God abeg help our Nigerian leaders to better this country cause it like they are losing it," Natasha said.

Akyala Ishaku raised concerns over the practical implications of the name change for graduates.

"Renaming institutions really have a negative impact on the alumni of that institution, most especially those who wish to further their studies abroad because their results and transcripts will bear different names,” he said.

“Why not just build a new university and name it after him?"

Former senator and activist Shehu Sani also weighed in, warning against the growing trend of renaming higher institutions after prominent individuals.

"One day all our Universities, Polytechnics and Colleges of Education would be named after someone; when exhausted, then two people will be sharing one."

Another X user @DanBorno said, "With a heart heavy with grief, I mourn the cruel demise of the University of Maiduguri, born in 1975, only to be extinguished in 2025 by President Tinubu's ruthless decree, its cherished name and legacy condemned to oblivion as if hanged by a merciless noose."

A statement by Concerned UNIMAID Alumni Association/Friends of UNIMAID also rejected the renaming of the university after the late Buhari.

The group said, "We, the members of the Concerned UNIMAID Alumni Association/Friends of UNIMAID, unequivocally reject the recent announcement by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to rename the University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID) after the late former President Muhammadu Buhari.

"UNIMAID is a legacy institution that has stood the test of time, serving as a beacon of academic excellence, resilience, and intellectual growth in Nigeria’s Northeast for decades.

“Established in 1975, it has weathered numerous challenges, including insurgency and economic hardships, to produce generations of leaders, scholars, and professionals who have contributed immensely to national development.

"Renaming this prestigious citadel of learning for apparent political gain is not only condemnable but also undermines the university’s hard-earned identity and historical significance.

"While we acknowledge the contributions of the late President Buhari to Nigeria, we firmly believe there are better and more appropriate ways to honor his legacy than attaching his name to an established institution like UNIMAID.”

“Options such as establishing a new university, a research center, or a national monument in his name would preserve his memory without erasing the unique heritage of an existing entity," the statement by the group read.

The decision on the University of Maiduguri remains contentious among residents, alumni, and political commentators alike.

President Buhari died on Sunday, July 13, in London after a protracted illness. He was buried on Tuesday at his Daura home in Katsina State according to Islamic rites.

With a heart heavy with grief, I mourn the cruel demise of the University of Maiduguri, born in 1975, only to be extinguished in 2025 by President Tinubu's ruthless decree, its cherished name and legacy condemned to oblivion as if hanged by a merciless noose. pic.twitter.com/4L1C4uOOEP

— Dan-Borno (@DanBorno) July 17, 2025