The University of Maiduguri chapter of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has strongly opposed President Bola Tinubu’s decision to rename the institution after the late former President Muhammadu Buhari.
In an official statement, chapter chairman Dr. Abubakar Mshelia Saidu criticized the move, calling it politically driven and an insult to the legacy, identity, and academic reputation of the university.
The renaming was announced during a special session of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) held in Buhari’s honor on July 17, but the decision has sparked widespread outrage among the university community and the public.
According to ASUU, the renaming disrespects the university’s 50-year history under the well-established and globally respected “Unimaid” name. The union described the decision as deeply offensive and said it has been met with overwhelming rejection from all parts of the university environment.
ASUU emphasized that, as a key stakeholder and defender of academic integrity and institutional autonomy, its response would be strong, deliberate, and based on facts. The union assured the public that it would handle the matter collectively and intellectually, acknowledging the intense reaction from alumni and the broader public.