ASUU-UNIMAID Vows Court Action Over Attempt to Rename University After Buhari

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), University of Maiduguri chapter, has come out in strong opposition to the Federal Government’s decision to rename the institution after late former President Muhammadu Buhari. The union described the move as “vehemently rejected and strongly condemned,” and warned it would be challenged through legal means.

In a statement released on Friday and signed by Chairperson Abubakar Mshelia and Assistant Secretary Peter Teri, ASUU-UNIMAID said the decision was taken at an emergency congress held on July 24, 2025. The meeting, according to the union, included representatives from the Student Union Government, academic staff, and key stakeholders within the university community.

After hours of deliberation, the congress reached a unanimous resolution demanding “the immediate and unconditional reversal” of the renaming decision.

“Following extensive discussions, the congress unanimously resolved to vehemently reject and strongly condemn the decision to rename the University of Maiduguri to Muhammadu Buhari University, Maiduguri,” the statement read.

“Congress views any attempt to rename the University of Maiduguri — after 50 years of esteemed existence — as a flagrant disregard for university autonomy, a disruption of cherished academic traditions, and a direct affront to the collective heritage and identity of the university community.”

ASUU described the move as “ill-conceived, arbitrary, and devoid of meaningful consultation with the university community, alumni, relevant stakeholders, and the general public.”

The union further criticized what it called a “troubling disregard for due process and stakeholder engagement in governance,” warning that such unilateral actions threaten the sanctity of academic institutions.

In response, the ASUU-UNIMAID executive committee has been tasked with “exploring all available legal avenues to challenge the renaming decision and ensure that the university’s original identity is preserved.”

The union is also calling on other ASUU branches, zonal leadership, and the national executive to mobilize opposition against the name change by engaging the National Assembly, civil society groups, students, and other concerned actors.

“The union demands that the autonomy and integrity of public universities must be upheld without political interference,” it added.

The renaming proposal has sparked outrage across various quarters, with critics calling for respect for institutional history and the preservation of long-standing academic identities.