- The decision has sparked backlash and outrage, with many saying such a decision erodes the historical significance and appeal of the institution.
The Academic Staff Union of Universities, University of Maiduguri chapter, has described the unilateral renaming of the institution after the late former President Muhammadu Buhari as a “troubling disregard for due process” that will be challenged in court.
Recall that President Muhammadu Buhari last week announced the renaming of the institution as Muhammadu Buhari University.
The decision has sparked backlash and outrage, with many saying such a decision erodes the historical significance and appeal of the institution.
In its reaction, the UNIMAID ASUU “vehemently rejected and strongly condemned” the Federal Government’s decision to rename the institution after Buhari and demanded the reversal of the change of name.
The University’s rejection of the renaming and and its decision to challenge the move in court were part of the resolution reached at an emergency congress held on July 24, 2025.
The University’s position is contained in a statement issued on Friday and jointly signed by its Chairperson, Abubakar Mshelia, and Assistant Secretary, Peter Teri, ASUU-UNIMAID.
According to the union, the congress was attended by ASUU members, representatives of the Student Union Government, and other critical stakeholders.
It said after extensive deliberation, the congress unanimously demanded “the immediate and unconditional reversal” of the renaming decision which it called an aversion for “stakeholder engagement in governance.”
The union said, “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.
“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.”
According to the union, the decision was “ill-conceived, arbitrary, and devoid of meaningful consultation with the university community, alumni, relevant stakeholders, and the general public.”
The union announced that the ASUU-UNIMAID executive committee had been mandated to “explore all available legal avenues to challenge the renaming decision and ensure that the university’s original identity is preserved.”
It also urged ASUU branches, zones, and the national body to engage the National Assembly, civil society organisations, students, and other relevant actors to resist any legislative attempt to endorse the name change.
“The union demands that the autonomy and integrity of public universities must be upheld without political interference,” it added
Discussion about this post