The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID) chapter, has come out forcefully to condemn what it described as a politically motivated and ill-advised move by President Bola Tinubu to rename the University of Maiduguri after Nigeria’s late former President, Muhammadu Buhari. Press statement issued on Saturday by the union’s chairperson, Abubakar Mshelia Saidu, calling for the urgent mobilisation of its veterans, expanded executive council, and members of the Congress to resist what it called a “brazen affront” to the institution’s history, identity, and academic integrity.
According to ASUU, the controversial renaming, which was announced during a recent special Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting convened in Buhari’s honour, has provoked widespread outrage within and outside the university community.
“This action is not merely shocking; it represents a brazen affront to the sanctity of our alma mater, especially given its impending historic 50th anniversary under the globally recognized and deeply cherished ‘Unimaid’ brand,” ASUU’s statement reads.
The union described the decision as political expediency taken too far, warning that the university’s hard-earned legacy would not be sacrificed on the altar of political patronage. ASUU UNIMAID further warned that while public anger continues to swell, its reaction as a key stakeholder in the institution would be unequivocal, forceful, and commanding.
The union statement continued: “This appalling decree has, understandably, ignited a firestorm of outright rejection across all segments of the community. However, as ASUU, a principal stakeholder and the unwavering voice of academic integrity and institutional autonomy, our response must be unequivocal, forceful, and commanding.
“ASUU, as always, responds to issues factually and without emotion, and matters of this magnitude cannot be treated differently. While we acknowledge the significant public and alma mater outcry, the Union will have to collectively respond, guided intellectually and with a clear understanding of the facts.
“We must articulate our adamant opposition and demand the immediate reversal of this ill-conceived and deeply offensive decision. “The legacy of Unimaid, painstakingly built for five decades, will not be sacrificed on the altar of political expediency. We urge you to be a part of this historic moment as the date and time of the meeting will be announced in due course; our resolve must be collective.”
