The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID) chapter, has come out forcefully to condemn what it described as a politically motivated and ill-advised move by President Bola Tinubu to rename the University of Maiduguri after Nigeria’s late former President, Muhammadu Buhari.
SaharaReporters obtained a press statement issued on Saturday by the union’s chairperson, Abubakar Mshelia Saidu, calling for urgent mobilisation of its veterans, expanded executive council, and members of the Congress to resist what it called a “brazen affront” to the institution’s history, identity, and academic integrity.
According to ASUU, the controversial renaming, which was announced during a recent special Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting convened in Buhari’s honour, has provoked widespread outrage within and outside the university community.
“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,” ASUU’s statement reads.
The union described the decision as political expediency taken too far, warning that the university’s hard-earned legacy would not be sacrificed on the altar of political patronage.
ASUU UNIMAID further warned that while public anger continues to swell, its own reaction as a key stakeholder in the institution would be unequivocal, forceful, and commanding.
The union statement continued: “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.
“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.
“This independent analysis will add immense value as we navigate the right path forward. Your input is not only crucial but imperative. We seek your unvarnished opinions and decisive pronouncements to help us forge a unified and potent stance that will guide our deliberations at Congress, Zonal and NEC meetings.
“We must articulate our adamant opposition and demand the immediate reversal of this ill-conceived and deeply offensive decision.
“The legacy of Unimaid, painstakingly built for five decades, will not be sacrificed on the altar of political expediency. We urge you to be a part of this historic moment as the date and time of the meeting will be announced in due course; our resolve must be collective.”
“The union accused the federal government of attempting to hijack the legacy of the institution for political reasons, despite UNIMAID’s 50-year history of academic resilience, especially in a region ravaged by insecurity and terrorism.
SaharaReporters had reported that President Tinubu on Thursday July 17, 2025, during an expanded FEC meeting at the Presidential Villa in Abuja announced the renaming of the University after Buhari in honour of the former Nigerian leader.
Founded in 1975, the University of Maiduguri is one of Nigeria’s foremost federal institutions, known for its resilience and academic excellence, even amid security challenges in the North-East.
However, SaharaReporters reported earlier on Friday that the renaming of the institution after the late immediate past President ignited a wave of criticism against President Tinubu’s administration.
Many Nigerians, including some of Buhari’s supporters, took to social media to oppose the move, citing the numerous public institutions already bearing his name, particularly in Borno State. (SaharaReporters)
