The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), University of Maiduguri chapter and the leadership of Students Union has strongly opposed the Federal Government’s decision to rename the institution after former President Muhammadu Buhari, vowing to challenge the move in court.
In a statement released on Friday, ASUU-UNIMAID described the renaming as unacceptable and “a direct affront” to the university’s legacy. The statement was jointly signed by the chapter’s Chairperson, Abubakar Mshelia, and Assistant Secretary, Peter Teri, following an emergency congress held on July 24, 2025.
The congress, which included ASUU members, Student Union Government representatives, and other key stakeholders, unanimously demanded an immediate and unconditional reversal of the decision.
“After extensive deliberations, the congress unanimously resolved to vehemently reject and strongly condemn the decision to rename the University of Maiduguri as Muhammadu Buhari University, Maiduguri,” the statement read.
ASUU argued that changing the university’s name after over 50 years of existence undermines the institution’s autonomy, disrupts its long-standing academic traditions, and disrespects the collective heritage and identity of its community.
The union criticized the decision as arbitrary and lacking proper consultation with the university community, alumni, and the general public, describing it as “an ill-conceived move that disregards due process and stakeholder engagement.”
ASUU-UNIMAID further revealed that its executive committee has been empowered to pursue all legal options to challenge the renaming and safeguard the university’s original name.
The union also called on other ASUU branches, the national body, student groups, civil society organisations, and the National Assembly to oppose any legislative attempt to formalize the name change.
“We firmly insist that the autonomy and integrity of public universities must be protected from political interference,” the statement concluded.
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