The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), University of Maiduguri chapter, has kicked against the federal government’s decision to rename the institution after former President Muhammadu Buhari — declaring it unacceptable and promising to challenge the move in court.
In a statement released on Friday, July 25, and jointly signed by ASUU-UNIMAID Chairperson, Abubakar Mshelia, and Assistant Secretary, Peter Teri, the union described the decision as “arbitrary, ill-conceived and undemocratic.” This response followed an emergency congress held on July 24, which was attended by ASUU members, representatives from the Student Union Government, and other key voices within the university.
According to the union, the attempt to rename the over 50-year-old institution as “Muhammadu Buhari University, Maiduguri” is seen as a blatant disregard for the university’s autonomy, legacy, and deeply rooted academic identity. “Renaming a public university without consulting its community, alumni or stakeholders undermines the very essence of university independence,” the statement read.
ASUU further criticized the government for bypassing proper channels and processes, calling it a dangerous precedent that could open the floodgates to more politically motivated interference in the university system.
As part of its resolution, the union empowered its executive committee to initiate legal proceedings to ensure the reversal of the renaming order. The union also called on its national body and other branches across the country to rally support by engaging with lawmakers, civil society groups, and student bodies to resist any legislative backing of the name change.
“The autonomy and dignity of our universities must not be politicized,” ASUU emphasized, calling for the immediate and unconditional reversal of the decision.
ASUU-UNIMAID stressed that the University of Maiduguri is not just a name — it is a symbol of resilience, academic excellence, and historical significance in Nigeria’s educational landscape, particularly in the North-East.