The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), University of Maiduguri chapter, has strongly rejected the Federal Government’s decision to rename the institution after the late former President Muhammadu Buhari. The Union said it would go to court to challenge the move.
In a statement released on Friday, the Union explained that this decision came after an emergency meeting held on July 24, 2025. The meeting was attended by ASUU members, Student Union leaders, and other key stakeholders from the University.
After a thorough discussion, everyone present agreed that the name change should be reversed immediately and without any conditions.
The Union stated, “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.”
They argued that the University has existed for 50 years with pride and that changing its name shows clear disrespect for its independence, traditions, and the identity of the whole school community.
ASUU-UNIMAID described the Government’s decision as “ill-conceived, arbitrary, and devoid of meaningful consultation with the University community, alumni, relevant stakeholders, and the general public.”
They also called it a “troubling disregard for due process and stakeholder engagement in governance.”
The Union revealed that its executive committee has been given the task of using every legal method possible to stop the renaming and protect the university’s original name.
In addition, ASUU-UNIMAID urged other ASUU branches, zones, and the national body to reach out to the National Assembly, civil society groups, students, and other concerned groups to resist any effort to make the name change official through legislation.
“The Union demands that the autonomy and integrity of public Universities must be upheld without political interference,” it added.