ASUU Rejects Renaming University of Maiduguri After Muhammadu Buhari, Vows Legal Action
The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID) chapter, has forcefully rejected President Bola Tinubu's move to rename the institution after the late former President Muhammadu Buhari. The union has described the decision as "politically motivated" and a "brazen affront" to the university's rich history, identity, and academic integrity, vowing to challenge the move in court.
Background to the Proposed Renaming:
Presidential Announcement: President Bola Tinubu announced the renaming of the University of Maiduguri to "Muhammadu Buhari University, Maiduguri" on July 17, 2025, during a special Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting convened in honour of the recently deceased former President Muhammadu Buhari.
Purpose: The stated intent was to immortalize the late former president and acknowledge his contributions to the nation.
ASUU's Reasons for Rejection:
The ASUU-UNIMAID chapter, led by its chairman Dr. Abubakar Mshelia Saidu, has outlined several strong reasons for its "unanimous" and "unequivocal" rejection, following an emergency congress meeting held on July 24, 2025:
Affront to University Autonomy and Identity: ASUU views the attempted renaming 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." UNIMAID has cultivated a strong identity and reputation over nearly 50 years.
Lack of Consultation and Due Process: The union condemned the decision as "ill-conceived, arbitrary, and devoid of meaningful consultation" with the university community, alumni, relevant stakeholders, and the general public. They described it as a "troubling disregard for due process and stakeholder engagement in governance."
Political Motivation vs. Academic Integrity: ASUU argues that sacrificing the institution's hard-earned reputation, especially as it approaches its 50th anniversary, for "political patronage" is unacceptable. They accuse the federal government of attempting to "hijack the legacy of the institution for political reasons."
Cost Implications: Renaming a major federal university would incur "serious cost implications," including rebranding materials, updating signage, certificates, websites, stationery, and digital platforms, all requiring significant financial resources.
Impact on Alumni Community: A sudden name change would negatively affect the university's vast alumni community, potentially erasing its historical branding and impacting alumni connections and engagement.
Legal Basis: ASUU contends that a mere political statement or policy cannot unilaterally change the name of a federal university, citing the "Universities Miscellaneous Act 2003" which reinforces university autonomy and limits government interference.
Buhari's Existing Recognition: Critics also highlight that Buhari already has numerous public institutions named after him, particularly in his home state of Borno, making this latest attempt unnecessary and divisive.
Actions Being Taken by ASUU:
Legal Action: The ASUU-UNIMAID executive committee has been mandated to "explore all available legal avenues to challenge the renaming decision and ensure that the university's original identity is preserved."
Mobilization: The union is mobilizing its Congress, veterans, and extended executive council to resist the renaming. They have vowed an "unequivocal, forceful, and commanding" response.
Engagement with Stakeholders: ASUU is urging its branches, zones, and the national body to engage the National Assembly, civil society organizations, students, and other relevant actors to resist any legislative attempt to endorse the name change.
Demand for Reversal: The union has unanimously demanded the "immediate and unconditional reversal" of the renaming decision.
Wider Reactions:
Students and Alumni: Students and alumni of UNIMAID have largely expressed strong opposition to the renaming, emphasizing the institution's established identity and resilience, especially in a region affected by insecurity.
Mixed Public Opinion: While some, including certain past Student Union Government officials, have supported the renaming as a tribute to Buhari's contributions, widespread criticism suggests a general public disapproval of the move.
This controversy highlights ongoing tensions regarding university autonomy and political interference in Nigeria's higher education system. The situation is expected to escalate as ASUU prepares its legal challenge and continues its advocacy efforts.
