The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) at the University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID) has strongly rejected the Federal Government’s decision to rename the institution after late former President Muhammadu Buhari. The move, announced during a special meeting of the Federal Executive Council (FEC), has been widely criticized within and outside the university community, with ASUU describing it as politically motivated and a “brazen affront” to the legacy and identity of the university.
In a statement issued by the UNIMAID ASUU Chair, Dr. Abubakar Mshelia Saidu, the union warned that the renaming threatens the institution’s longstanding reputation, especially as it prepares to mark its 50th anniversary under the respected “UNIMAID” identity. ASUU insisted that the decision disregards the collective wishes of the university community, alumni, and traditional stakeholders and risks erasing its hard-earned legacy for the sake of political patronage.
Key Points from the ASUU’s Reaction:
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Described the renaming as shockingly divisive and unnecessary, especially since Buhari already has multiple public institutions named after him, particularly in Borno State.
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Stated that the historic name “University of Maiduguri” symbolizes academic resilience and represents the soul of Borno and the broader North-East, especially in the face of adversity.
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Emphasized the lack of consultation with key university organs, alumni, and the wider academic community, calling the move a violation of institutional autonomy.
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Announced plans to mobilize Congress, veterans, and the extended executive council to resist what it labeled as an “ill-conceived and deeply offensive” decision.
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Cited previous instances, such as the reversal of the University of Lagos renaming in 2012, as precedent for their demand for immediate reversal.
ASUU and other stakeholders argue that if the government seeks to honor the late Buhari, it should consider naming new institutions or projects after him rather than altering the names of established and culturally significant universities.
Public opposition continues to mount against the proposed name change, with online campaigns and petitions already gathering thousands of signatures from university alumni, students, and civic organizations. The Federal Government has yet to respond formally to calls for reversal, but tensions remain high as the debate over university identity and the politicization of academic institutions persists.
