The University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID) chapter of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has rejected the Federal Government’s decision to rename the institution after former President Muhammadu Buhari.The union condemned the move as “politically motivated” and a “brazen affront” to the university’s established legacy.
Chairperson of ASUU, UNIMAID chapter, Dr. Abubakar Mshelia Saidu, in a statement issued in Maiduguri which was obtained by LEADERSHIP on Sunday, expressed strong condemnation on the decision.
LEADERSHIP recalls that President Bola Tinubu had, at a special Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting held on July 17 in honour of late former President Buhari announced the renaming of the institution after the former president.
The union asserted that the name change disrespects UNIMAID’s rich history and undermines its academic integrity.“This action is not merely shocking; it desecrates the sanctity of our alma mater,” the statement declared.
“UNIMAID is not just a name—it represents decades of academic excellence, resilience, and national relevance.”As the institution prepares to celebrate its 50th anniversary, ASUU highlighted that the announced name change posed a significant threat to erasing a hard-earned identity that has endured for half a century.
The union insisted that political interests must not be allowed to override the nation’s educational heritage. Dr. Saidu disclosed that ASUU UNIMAID was actively mobilising its congress, veterans, and extended executive members to collectively resist this move.“The response of the union will be unequivocal, forceful, and commanding,” he declared, while also encouraging public intellectual and factual contributions ahead of wider consultations.
ASUU further called upon Nigerians to unite against what it described as a “dangerous precedent” that prioritises political patronage over academic pride.
