A former Senator representing Kaduna Central, Shehu Sani, has criticised the leader of the United Kingdom’s Conservative Party, Kemi Badenoch, over her remarks concerning Nigerian citizenship laws.

While speaking in an interview with CNN’s Fareed Zakaria on Sunday, Badenoch claimed she is unable to transfer her Nigerian citizenship to her children due to her gender.

She pointed out that it is more straightforward for Nigerians to obtain British citizenship than it is for foreigners to become Nigerian citizens.

“It’s virtually impossible, for example, to get Nigerian citizenship. I have that citizenship by virtue of my parents, I can’t give it to my children because I’m a woman.

“Yet loads of Nigerians come to the UK and stay for a relatively free period of time, acquire British citizenship. We need to stop being naive,” she said.

In response through a post on his X handle on Monday, Sani criticised Badenoch for her concern about passing on Nigerian citizenship to her children.

The former senator urged Badenoch to embrace her new country and stop interfering with Nigerian affairs.

He wrote, “Why should Kemi Badenoch be bothered about getting a Nigerian citizenship for her offspring from a country she rebuked and rejected? She should just enjoy her adopted home and leave us alone in our father’s home.”

Olukemi Adegoke, now known as Kemi Badenoch, was born in the UK to Nigerian parents. She spent part of her early life in Lagos before moving back to the UK at the age of 16.

She later got married to Hamish Badenoch, a Scottish banker, and took his last name. They have three children together.

The protesters also warned that if the government failed to respond promptly, they would sustain their action until their demands were met.

A group of retired police officers staged a peaceful demonstration in Abuja on Monday, aiming to highlight the poor living conditions faced by both serving and retired personnel of the Nigeria Police Force.

The protest was spearheaded by Omoyele Sowore, Convener of the Revolution Now Movement, who stood in solidarity with the retirees, calling on the Federal Government to take swift action.

The retirees voiced frustration over what they saw as years of being ignored, including unpaid pensions and inadequate recognition for their years of national service.

Sowore, during the protest, urged the authorities to acknowledge the contributions of police officers and make their welfare a top priority.

The protesters further cautioned that unless the government addresses their concerns quickly, they would continue the demonstration indefinitely.

In Jalingo, the capital of Taraba State, another group of retirees also organized a protest, carrying placards and banners to express their grievances.

Among their key demands was a call for the complete removal of the Police Contributory Pension Scheme.

Some of the signs they held up read messages such as ‘We demand total exit from the deadly Police Contributory Pension Scheme’, ‘Scrap police contribution pension scheme’, and ‘We need our full gratuity’.

Rights Of Retirees Must Be Protected

On Sunday, the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, instructed Commissioners of Police nationwide and in the FCT to ensure the safety of retired officers participating in the planned peaceful protest.

This directive was shared in a statement by Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi.

He also warned against spreading false information related to the planned protests happening across the country on Monday.

The Force spokesman stated, “The IGP has ordered that the rights of our retired officers who have chosen to protest must be protected, and the protest should serve as a model of dignified expression of grievance.”

President Bola Tinubu declared on July 17 that the University would be renamed in honour of former President Muhammadu Buhari.

Graduates, current students, and residents of Borno State have opposed the decision by President Tinubu to rename the University of Maiduguri to Muhammadu Buhari University as a tribute to the late President.

During a Federal Executive Council meeting held at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Thursday, July 17, 2025, Tinubu officially announced the renaming of the university.

Explaining their reasons, the opposition groups said the name University of Maiduguri represents more than a title — it embodies resilience, academic reputation, and cultural identity, particularly in a region once affected by insecurity.

They suggested that Tinubu consider renaming the Federal University of Transportation in Daura or the Nigerian Army University in Biu, both of which have stronger connections to Buhari’s background and roots.

This recommendation was part of a public petition launched by alumni and student groups, asking the public to show support by signing on.

At present, the petition has gathered around nine thousand signatures and gained momentum within 48 hours.

The Issue

Preserve the identity of the University of Maiduguri – A respectful appeal against renaming University of Maiduguri to Muhammadu Buhari University

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR
President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces,
Federal Republic of Nigeria

We, as alumni, students, and concerned individuals, are reaching out to Your Excellency with an earnest appeal concerning the recent move to rename the University of Maiduguri to Muhammadu Buhari University.

With sincere respect for the legacy of the late President Muhammadu Buhari and his contributions to Nigeria, we believe the decision to rename the University does not reflect the sentiments of its primary community and contradicts the longstanding identity the school has cultivated.

The University of Maiduguri holds deep significance beyond its name. It represents strength, educational excellence, and cultural richness, particularly in light of past threats to the North-East. The identity of University of Maiduguri strongly connects to the region and reflects the school’s critical role in fostering development, peace, and scholarship in Northern Nigeria.

Over the past four decades, the University has produced many influential individuals, including leaders, academics, and public servants, all proud to call themselves UNIMAID alumni. The name carries pride not only in Nigeria but across Africa and the wider world.

Our Appeal:

We respectfully urge Your Excellency to reconsider and revoke the renaming decision. Although we deeply value the memory of President Muhammadu Buhari, we believe his legacy can be preserved through other significant initiatives, such as national monuments, research centres, or landmark projects, without changing the identity of a university so dear to its stakeholders.

In this context, we suggest renaming the Federal University of Transportation in Daura — a newer and symbolic institution located in President Buhari’s hometown. This would serve as a tribute closely tied to his personal and regional legacy. Given his military background, the Nigerian Army University in Biu could also be considered, as it would reflect his career and service to the nation.

Preserving the name of the University of Maiduguri is not about political sentiment. It is a call to maintain emotional ties and protect the heritage of a respected institution that has weathered challenges over the years. We ask that the memory of former President Buhari and the spirit of UNIMAID be honoured in ways that preserve the distinct identity of both.

We place our confidence in your sense of justice, unity, and dedication to listening to the people.

Thank you, Your Excellency.