University of Maiduguri Academic Staff Union (ASUU) opposes the name change of the university to honor President Buhari, hints at potential lawsuits.

University of Maiduguri Academic Staff Union (ASUU) opposes the name change of the university to honor President Buhari, hints at potential lawsuits.

The University of Maiduguri's planned renaming after the late President Muhammadu Buhari has been met with strong opposition from the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), University of Maiduguri chapter. In a statement issued by ASUU-UNIMAID, led by Chairperson Abubakar Mshelia and Assistant Secretary Peter Teri, the union described the decision as unilateral, politically motivated, and ill-conceived.

ASUU-UNIMAID argues that the renaming disregards the wishes of the university community and broader stakeholders, undermines the institutional autonomy and the university’s historical identity and legacy, and represents political patronage. The union also warns that the move risks sacrificing the university’s hard-earned reputation and academic integrity for political reasons.

The statement, made known following an emergency congress held on July 24, 2025, was a unanimous decision reached by ASUU members, representatives of the Student Union Government, and other key stakeholders. The union has vehemently rejected and strongly condemned the Federal Government's decision, and their stance remains firm and unyielding.

ASUU-UNIMAID has called for an immediate reversal of the decision and warned of possible further actions to defend the university’s autonomy and legacy. They have also urged other ASUU branches, zonal bodies, and the national leadership to resist any attempt by the National Assembly to formalize the name change through legislation.

Moreover, ASUU-UNIMAID has emphasized that public universities must remain insulated from political influence and has cautioned against any future attempts to rename institutions without broad-based consultation. They are prepared to explore all available legal avenues to protect the institution's original identity and uphold the autonomy of Nigerian public universities.

This controversy comes as the University of Maiduguri approaches its 50th anniversary under the well-established "UNIMAID" name, a name that holds significant historical and cultural value for the university community. The union's stance underscores the importance of maintaining academic traditions and upholding the autonomy of public universities without political interference.

1. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) should investigation allegations of political patronage surrounding the unilateral decision to rename the University of Maiduguri after President Muhammadu Buhari, as the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU)-UNIMAID believes this decision disregards the wishes of the university community and broader stakeholders.
2. The political fallout from the renaming debate has highlighted the need for education and self-development, as the public is becoming increasingly aware of the importance of keeping public universities insulated from political influence.
3. The controversy over the proposed renaming of the University of Maiduguri has gained attention in the general news, with many noting the potential risks of sacrificing academic integrity for political reasons.
4. In the ongoing dispute between the Federal Government and ASUU-UNIMAID, idioms such as "bringing home the bacon" do not apply, as the union is arguing against political patronage and for the preservation of the university's historical identity and legacy.
5. As the 2025 Abuja gubernatorial election draws near, candidates like Asiwaju Bola Tinubu may want to address the concerns of Nigerian voters about political interference in education, particularly as it relates to the recent renaming controversy at the University of Maiduguri.

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