Petitioners suggest honouring Buhari by renaming the University of Transportation in Daura or the Army University in Biu.
A federal government decision to rename the University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID) as Muhammadu Buhari University has sparked widespread backlash.
Students, alumni, and concerned citizens are urging President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to reverse the move, saying it threatens to erase over four decades of the university’s legacy.
In a petition led by Opeyemi Olatinwo, stakeholders described UNIMAID as “a symbol of resilience, academic excellence, and regional pride,” noting its continued operation during the Boko Haram insurgency as a sign of its significance.
“UNIMAID is more than a name; it is a brand and a beacon of hope in the Northeast,” the petition stated.
Signatories suggested honouring the late President Buhari by renaming the Federal University of Transportation in Daura or the Army University in Biu.
“This is not a political protest. It is a heartfelt plea for continuity,” they added.
Over 1,500 new signatures were recorded Friday, with calls growing for broader consultation on the issue.