There has been a wave of mixed reactions across the country, especially in Borno State, following the Federal Government’s recent decision to rename the University of Maiduguri after the late former President Muhammadu Buhari.
In response to the renaming, The News Chronicle spoke with a political analyst who requested anonymity. The analyst expressed concern over the trend of renaming public institutions in Borno after the former president.
“Let me tell you something, renaming the University of Maiduguri after Buhari is not necessarily the issue,” he said. “But why didn’t President Tinubu rename the University of Transportation in Daura after Buhari instead? Buhari established that university, so it would be more appropriate and meaningful.”
He added, “If the University of Maiduguri is now called Muhammadu Buhari University, I can assure you that the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital may soon be renamed Muhammadu Buhari Teaching Hospital as well.”
The analyst also noted that several places in the university have already been named after Buhari, and a secondary school in Maiduguri also bears his name.
“Even the Maiduguri International Airport was renamed after Buhari last year,” he stated.
“I believe the University of Transportation in Daura should be renamed Muhammadu Buhari University of Transportation. That would make more sense.”
The decision to rename the University of Maiduguri has sparked controversy among residents, lecturers, and students in Borno.
Many argue that instead of renaming existing institutions, the Federal Government should consider building new universities, hospitals, parks, and other infrastructure, and then name them after notable individuals.
The debate continues as citizens call for more inclusive and thoughtful policies regarding national recognition and naming of public institutions.
