The University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID) chapter of the Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, has “vehemently rejected and strongly condemned” the Federal Government’s decision to rename the institution after the late former President Muhammadu Buhari, vowing to challenge the move in court.
In a statement issued on Friday and signed by its Chairperson, Abubakar Mshelia, and Assistant Secretary, Peter Teri, ASUU-UNIMAID stated that the resolution was passed following an emergency congress on July 24, 2025.
ASUU members, representatives from the Student Union Government, and other key players attended the congress, according to the union.
It stated that after significant consideration, Congress unanimously urged “the immediate and unconditional reversal” of the renaming decision.
The union said, “Following extensive discussions, the congress unanimously resolved to vehemently reject and strongly condemn the decision to rename the University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID) 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.”
ASUU stated that the decision was “ill-conceived, arbitrary, and devoid of meaningful consultation with the university community, alumni, relevant stakeholders, and the general public.”
It also referred to the move as a “troubling disregard for due process and stakeholder engagement in governance.”
The union stated that the ASUU-UNIMAID executive committee has been directed 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 work with the National Assembly, civil society organisations, students, and other relevant stakeholders to oppose any legislative attempt to approve the name change.
“The union demands that the autonomy and integrity of public universities must be upheld without political interference,” it added.
