A Nigerian academic, Yakubu Wudil, has raised concerns over President Tinubu’s recent decision to rename the University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID) in honor of former President Muhammadu Buhari.

President Tinubu made the announcement on July 17, during an extended Federal Executive Council meeting held to celebrate Buhari’s achievements. According to Tinubu, the university in Borno State will now be known by the name of the former president.

Reacting to this development, Wudil said he believes the move was done with good intentions. However, he suggested that the Federal University of Transportation in Daura, which is located in Buhari’s hometown, would have been a more appropriate institution to rename.

He further explained that UNIMAID already has a long-standing name and identity, which should be preserved. According to him, changing the names of such established institutions affects their legacy and recognition, which is something that should be avoided.

Wudil compared the situation to how people would feel if a globally known university like Harvard was suddenly renamed after a public figure like Barack Obama, saying such moves are usually met with mixed reactions.

In summary, while the renaming was likely meant to honor a past leader, some Nigerians feel important universities with historical significance should not be renamed, no matter the reason.

‘’How would you feel if Harvard were renamed to Barack Obama University?”he asked