The recent renaming of Benue State University (BSU) to Reverend Father Moses Orshio Adasu University, Makurdi (MOAUM) has sparked widespread criticism from students, alumni, and members of the public.

The name change, which became official following legislation passed by the Benue State House of Assembly and signed into law by Governor Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia on December 30, 2024, has now been formally implemented according to a memo from the Office of the Registrar.

While the renaming aims to honor the late Rev. Fr. Moses Orshio Adasu, a former governor who played a foundational role in establishing the university, many stakeholders have condemned the decision as unnecessary and politically motivated.

Christy Emmanuel, an alumnus of the institution, expressed strong disapproval: "Please, those responsible for the change of name should not take us backward. That name is off it. BENSU sounds better. If you wish to honour your kinsman, why not build another university and name it after him? You are being tribalistic."

Critics have raised several concerns, including the lack of public consultation, the impracticality of the new name, and fears that the university's established identity and legacy are being erased.

Daniel Innocent questioned the government's priorities: "What benefit does changing the name bring to the people? We are talking of development and investment in technology—not name changes. Politicians don see us finish."

Another concerned citizen, Emmanuel, criticized the religious implications of the new name: "The school is not a Catholic school. Why give it that name? Someone overseas hearing that name will think it's a school in the backward part of Nigeria. Please rescind your decision. We don't want that name that is so mouthful!"

John Mathias Eihoda lamented the potential loss of institutional legacy: "This is one thing I hate the most. For me, it feels like the university, plus all its track record, is no more in existence. Why can't we stop this rubbish for goodness' sake?" He further argued that the new name violates conventional standards, stating, "The title is not acceptable in the name of a university. It should simply be Moses Orshio Adasu University, in line with NUC-approved nomenclatures."

Despite the significant backlash, university management has maintained that the decision aligns with state policy and appropriately honors Rev. Fr. Adasu's contributions to the institution's establishment. The official memo emphasized that the university will continue to deliver quality education under its new identity.

The university has instructed that all official correspondence must now reflect the new name, signaling that despite public opposition, the administration intends to proceed with the change.