The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID) chapter, has strongly criticized President Bola Tinubu’s decision to rename the institution after Nigeria’s late former President, Muhammadu Buhari. The union described the move as politically driven and misguided.
In a statement released on Saturday, ASUU chapter chairperson, Abubakar Mshelia Saidu, called for immediate mobilization of its senior members, executive council, and Congress to resist what it described as a direct assault on the university’s legacy and academic integrity.
According to ASUU, the renaming, announced during a special Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting held in Buhari’s honour has triggered widespread disapproval within and beyond 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 decried the decision as an example of political expediency overriding respect for institutional legacy and warned that it would not stand by while the university’s identity was undermined.
ASUU UNIMAID emphasized that its response, reflecting the union’s core values, would be both decisive and impactful.
“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 further accused the federal government of trying to appropriate the institution’s legacy for political purposes, despite its long-standing contributions to academic excellence, particularly in a region severely affected by insecurity and terrorism.
President Tinubu announced the renaming on Thursday as part of a posthumous tribute to former President Muhammadu Buhari.
Founded in 1975, the University of Maiduguri is one of Nigeria’s leading federal universities. The proposed name change has drawn significant backlash online, with many Nigerians expressing concern over the proliferation of public institutions named after Buhari, especially in Borno State.
