The University of Maiduguri chapter of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has firmly rejected the recent proposal by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to rename the institution after Nigeria’s former president, the late Muhammadu Buhari.
According to the union, the move is viewed as highly political, poorly thought-out, and an outright disregard for the university’s history, identity, and long-standing academic reputation.
In a strongly worded statement issued by the chapter’s chairman, Dr. Abubakar Mshelia Saidu, the renaming was criticized as a direct affront to the legacy of the University of Maiduguri, popularly known as “Unimaid,” which is on the verge of celebrating its 50th anniversary.
The renaming was announced during a special Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting held on July 17, 2025, in honour of Buhari, who passed away recently. However, the declaration has been met with significant resistance not only from university staff but also from alumni, students, and members of the public.
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In the statement, ASUU said:
“This action is not merely shocking; it represents a brazen affront to the sanctity of our alma mater, especially given its impending historic 50th anniversary under the globally recognized and deeply cherished ‘Unimaid’ brand.”
The union stressed that the imposition of such a name change, without consultation or institutional input, has ignited what it described as “a firestorm of outright rejection” from every part of the university community.
“This appalling decree has, understandably, ignited a firestorm of outright rejection across all segments of the community. However, as ASUU, a principal stakeholder and the unwavering voice of academic integrity and institutional autonomy, our response must be unequivocal, forceful, and commanding.”
Dr. Saidu further explained that the union would respond based on facts, not emotions, and would ensure that any decision affecting the institution’s identity must be addressed intellectually and in line with the principles of academic freedom and autonomy.
“ASUU, as always, responds to issues factually and without emotion, and matters of this magnitude cannot be treated differently. While we acknowledge the significant public and alma mater outcry, the Union will have to collectively respond, guided intellectually and with a clear understanding of the facts.”