ASUU opposes renaming of UNIMAID, vows court challenge

ASUU UNIMAID opposes renaming the University of Maiduguri to Muhammadu Buhari University and vows to challenge the decision in court over disregard for academic autonomy

ASUU UNIMAID opposes renaming of the University of Maiduguri, a move they have described as a blatant disregard for academic autonomy.

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The Academic Staff Union of Universities at UNIMAID has vehemently rejected the Federal Government’s decision to rename the institution after the late President Muhammadu Buhari.

In a statement issued on Friday following an emergency congress on July 24, 2025, the union’s Chairperson, Abubakar Mshelia, and Assistant Secretary, Peter Teri, condemned the decision.

The union highlighted that the move undermines 50 years of cherished academic heritage and disrupts the core identity of the institution.

Members from ASUU, the Student Union Government, and other stakeholders unanimously demanded the immediate and unconditional reversal of the renaming decision.

They labeled the move as ill-conceived, arbitrary, and devoid of proper consultation with alumni and the wider university community.

The union has already mandated its executive committee to explore all available legal avenues.

This decisive legal challenge aims to uphold the integrity and autonomy of public universities without political interference.

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By taking this stand, ASUU UNIMAID opposes renaming not only on legal grounds but as a fundamental defense of university governance and tradition.

Quadri Olaitan