The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), University of Maiduguri chapter, has strongly rejected President Bola Tinubu’s decision to rename the institution after late former President Muhammadu Buhari, calling it a politically driven and misguided action,
In a statement obtained by News360 Nigeria on Saturday, ASUU UNIMAID Chairman, Abubakar Mshelia Saidu, condemned the renaming as a direct attack on the university’s legacy, identity, and academic credibility
He called for immediate mobilisation of the union’s elders, executive members, and Congress to resist what he described as a “brazen affront” to the institution.
The move, which was announced at a special Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting held in honour of Buhari, has reportedly triggered outrage 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,” the union stated.
ASUU described the renaming as an act of political excess, warning that the university’s 50-year legacy would not be traded for political gratification.
The union stressed that its response would be firm and uncompromising as a key stakeholder in the institution.
“The decision has understandably ignited a firestorm of outright rejection across all segments of the community,” ASUU added.
“As the unwavering voice of academic integrity and institutional autonomy, our response must be unequivocal, forceful, and commanding.”
ASUU further urged its members and the general public to remain united in demanding the reversal of the move. The union promised that an official meeting would soon be convened to formally address the issue.
The statement also accused the federal government of attempting to hijack the university’s legacy for political purposes, despite its long-standing reputation for academic excellence and survival in the face of terrorism in the North-East.
President Tinubu had announced the renaming during an expanded FEC meeting held at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Thursday, July 17, 2025, as a tribute to Buhari.
The University of Maiduguri, established in 1975, is a respected federal institution with a history of resilience, especially amid insecurity in the region.
However, the announcement has drawn heavy backlash, even from some of Buhari’s supporters, who pointed out that numerous institutions in Borno State already bear his name.