ASUU Vows Legal Action Against Federal Government Over University Of Maiduguri Renaming.
The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID) chapter, has announced plans to sue the Federal Government over its decision to rename the institution after the late former President Muhammadu Buhari. The controversial move, declared by President Bola Tinubu during a special Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting on 17 July 2025, has sparked widespread outrage within the university community and beyond, prompting ASUU to demand an immediate reversal.
Following an emergency congress on 24 July 2025, attended by ASUU members, Student Union Government representatives, and other stakeholders, the union issued a strongly worded statement condemning the renaming as a “flagrant disregard for university autonomy” and a “disruption of cherished academic traditions.” Signed by Chairperson Dr Abubakar Mshelia and Assistant Secretary Peter Teri, the statement described the decision as “ill-conceived, arbitrary, and devoid of meaningful consultation” with the university’s community, alumni, or the public. The congress unanimously resolved to reject the change to Muhammadu Buhari University, Maiduguri, and mandated its executive committee to explore all legal avenues to preserve UNIMAID’s original identity.
The union highlighted the university’s 50-year legacy as a beacon of academic excellence and resilience, particularly in Nigeria’s North-East, a region plagued by insecurity. Founded in 1975 by General Murtala Muhammed, UNIMAID has built a global reputation for scholarship and regional stability. ASUU argued that renaming it undermines this heritage and risks affecting alumni connections, certificates, transcripts, and international partnerships. Dr Mshelia noted that the sudden change could create practical challenges for graduates, such as providing affidavits to verify credentials bearing the UNIMAID name.
The decision has also drawn criticism for its lack of legal grounding. Analysts, including lawyer Maxwell Opara, have questioned the president’s authority to rename a university established by an act of the National Assembly without broader consultation. A petition launched by concerned alumni and Nigerians, titled “Preserve the Identity of the University of Maiduguri,” had garnered over 7,500 signatures by 20 July 2025, urging Tinubu to reconsider and suggesting alternative institutions, such as Federal University, Dutsin Ma in Katsina State, for renaming in Buhari’s honour.
While some, including UNIMAID’s Student Union Government President Yahaya Maigari and his predecessor Muhammad Bello, praised the tribute to Buhari for his contributions to Borno and Nigeria, the overwhelming sentiment within the academic community is one of opposition. ASUU has called on its branches, zones, and national body to rally support from the National Assembly, civil society, and students to resist any legislative endorsement of the name change. The union remains steadfast in its commitment to protecting UNIMAID’s identity and upholding the autonomy of public universities against political interference.
