Dare Babalola
The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID) chapter, has announced its intention to sue the Federal Government of Nigeria over the decision to rename the institution after the late former President Muhammadu Buhari.
In a joint statement by its Chairperson, Abubakar Mshelia and Assistant Secretary, Peter Teri on Friday, the union said the decision of the President Bola Tinubu-led administration is arbitrary and lacking in consultation.
The union revealed that the resolution to pursue legal action was reached during an emergency congress held on July 24, 2025.
The statement revealed that the meeting was attended by ASUU members, representatives of the Student Union Government, and other stakeholders.
The union said, “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.
“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-UNIMAID described the Federal Government’s decision as “ill-conceived, arbitrary, and devoid of meaningful consultation with the university community, alumni, relevant stakeholders, and the general public.”
It added that the development reflected a “troubling disregard for due process and stakeholder engagement in governance.”
The statement noted that the ASUU-UNIMAID executive committee had been given a mandate to “explore all available legal avenues to challenge the renaming decision and ensure that the university’s original identity is preserved.”
The union also called on ASUU branches, zones, and the national body to engage the National Assembly, civil society organisations, students, and other relevant actors to resist any legislative attempt to endorse the name change.
“The union demands that the autonomy and integrity of public universities must be upheld without political interference,” it added.
