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University of Maiduguri alumni and students reject renaming institution after Buhari

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Alumni and students of the University of Maiduguri, alongside concerned citizens of Borno State, have strongly opposed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s decision to rename the institution after former President Muhammadu Buhari.

The announcement was made on Thursday, July 17, 2025, during an expanded Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, where President Tinubu declared that the university would now bear the name Muhammadu Buhari University, in a move to honour his predecessor.

Reacting swiftly, the affected groups condemned the decision, insisting that the University of Maiduguri represents far more than a name. “The University of Maiduguri is more than just a name. It is a powerful symbol of resilience, academic excellence, and cultural heritage — especially in the face of insecurity that once threatened the North-East region,” they stated.

The protest was formalised through a public petition that began circulating online shortly after the announcement. So far, approximately 9,000 individuals have signed in support of the appeal, which has gained significant traction within the past 48 hours.

In their appeal to President Tinubu, the petitioners wrote: “We, the alumni, students, and concerned citizens, write this heartfelt appeal to Your Excellency regarding the recent decision to rename the University of Maiduguri to Muhammadu Buhari University. With the deepest respect to the memory and legacy of the late President Muhammadu Buhari — a man whose contributions to Nigeria remain indelible; we believe that renaming the University of Maiduguri does not align with the sentiments of its core stakeholders and the enduring identity the institution has built over the decades.”

The petitioners proposed alternative options for immortalising Buhari, urging the government to consider renaming institutions more closely linked to his personal history and legacy. “In this regard, we respectfully propose that the Federal University of Transportation, Daura — a relatively new and highly symbolic institution located in former President Buhari’s hometown — could be considered for renaming… Also, considering his background as a retired military general, the Nigerian Army University Biu stands out as another fitting institution that could be renamed in honour of the Late Former President Muhammadu Buhari.”

Their message concluded with a plea: “Preserving this name is not a political position; it is a plea for continuity, emotional attachment, and the integrity of a brand that has stood the test of time and conflict. Let us honor both the legacy of former President Buhari and the soul of UNIMAID — without erasing the identity of either.”

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Education

Cross River shuts 36 illegal schools

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The Cross River State Government has shut down 36 unapproved schools, ranging from primary to secondary schools, operating without registration or official approval across three local government areas of the state.

The state Commissioner for Education, Professor Stephen Odey, who confirmed the development on Tuesday in Calabar, the state capital, described the situation as “unfortunate,” noting that some individuals continue to exploit unsuspecting parents by running unauthorised schools.

He explained that the closures were executed by the state task force on illegal schools, which was inaugurated earlier this month and warned that the ministry would no longer tolerate any unauthorised or “mushroom” operations in the state’s education sector.

“We have begun full-scale enforcement across the three educational zones in Calabar, Ikom, and Ogoja to sanitise the system and ensure that only schools meeting the required standards are allowed to operate,” Odey said.

The ministry’s publication listed 16 affected schools in Calabar, 10 in Ikom, and another 10 in Ogoja, all found to be running without government approval.

Reaffirming the government’s commitment to quality education, Odey stressed that only duly registered and accredited schools would be permitted to function.

He further advised parents and guardians to verify the approval status of schools before enrolling their children, warning that the enforcement exercise would be extended to all 18 local government areas in the state.

“This exercise will continue until every illegal school is either regularised or shut down. We are determined to protect the integrity of education in Cross River State,” Odey stated.

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Education

ASUU suspends two-week warning strike

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The Academic Staff Union of Universities has announced the suspension of its ongoing two-week warning strike.

The National President of ASUU, Prof. Chris Piwuna, made this known in an ongoing press briefing in Abuja on Wednesday.

According to Piwuna, the decision stemmed from the meeting of the National Executive Council meeting which was held overnight and ended by 4:00 am on Wednesday.

Piwuna noted that the union decided to embark on the strike due to the failure of the government to meet its demands on time.

“We’ve had useful engagements with representatives of the government to consider the response to the draft renegotiation of the 2009 agreements. However, we are definitely not where we were prior to the commencement of the strike.

“The union acknowledged that the government returned to the negotiation table. While noting that a lot more work is still required, NEC came to the conclusion that the ongoing strike should be reviewed. The decision to review the strike action was a result of efforts by our students, parents, and the Nigeria Labour Congress.

“Consequently, NEC resolved to suspend the warning strike to reciprocate the efforts of well-meaning Nigerians.”

Recall that ASUU declared a total and comprehensive warning strike starting from Monday, October 13.

ASUU is currently demanding the conclusion of the renegotiated 2009 FGN-ASUU agreement, the release of the withheld three and a half months’ salaries, sustainable funding of public universities, revitalisation of public universities, and cessation of the victimisation of lecturers in LASU, Prince Abubakar Audu University, and FUTO.

Others are payment of outstanding 25-35% salary arrears, payment of promotion arrears for over four years and release of withheld third-party deductions (cooperative contributions, union check-off dues).

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NELFUND opens student loan portal for 2025/2026 academic session

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The Nigerian Education Loan Fund has announced the official opening of its student loan application portal for the 2025/2026 academic session, providing access to financial support for students across tertiary institutions in the country.

The agency said the application window will run from Thursday, October 23, 2025, to Saturday, January 31, 2026.

This is contained a statement issued on Tuesday by NELFUND’s Director of Strategic Communications, Oseyemi Oluwatuyi.

NELFUND urged fresh students to apply using their Admission Number or JAMB Registration Number in place of a matriculation number.

It appealed to tertiary institutions to show understanding regarding registration and fee payment deadlines for applicants awaiting loan disbursement.

“Institutional Institutions are encouraged to show understanding in enforcing registration and fee Flexibility payment deadlines for students awaiting loan disbursement

“Institutions that have not yet commenced their 2025/2026 academic session should Special Notice formally write to NELFUND with their approved academic calendar for scheduling flexibility

“NELFUND appeals to all institutions to consider temporary registration measures for students whose loan applications are being processed to ensure that no student loses access to education due to financial constraints,” the statement said.

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