UNIMAID ASUU Rejects Renaming University After Late President Buhari

 

The University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID) chapter of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has rejected the federal government's decision to rename the institution after late President Muhammadu Buhari.¹ ASUU describes the move as politically motivated and an affront to the university's legacy and identity.

Reasons for ASUU's Opposition

▪️ Politically Motivated: ASUU, through its chapter chairman Dr. Abubakar Mshelia Saidu, firmly believes the renaming is driven by political motives rather than genuine recognition of the university's academic heritage.2

▪️ Affront to Identity and Legacy: The union views the decision as undermining UNIMAID's long-established identity, values, and academic legacy, especially as the institution approaches its 50th anniversary.

▪️ Lack of Consultation: The decision was made without consulting key stakeholders within the university community, including students, staff, alumni, or local stakeholders. ASUU emphasizes the need to uphold the university’s autonomy.

▪️ Precedent for Political Glorification: ASUU warns that this move sets a dangerous precedent, where universities could become tools for political glorification rather than independent centers of learning and research.3 They accuse the Federal Government of using education as a "political chessboard" instead of addressing core issues like funding and infrastructure.

▪️ Resilience and History: UNIMAID has a history of resilience, having operated and thrived academically despite years of terrorist threats from Boko Haram and ISWAP.4 ASUU argues this history should not be erased or politicized.

▪️ Misplaced Priorities: Critics, including ASUU, suggest that the government should prioritize revitalizing Nigeria's higher education system by addressing funding gaps, decaying infrastructure, and staff welfare, rather than focusing on "cosmetic changes" like renaming. They also point out that federal universities experienced significant shutdowns during Buhari's administration due to ASUU strikes over unmet agreements.5

Background of the Decision

▪️ The decision to rename UNIMAID was officially announced during a Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting held on July 17, 2025, in honor of the late President Muhammadu Buhari.6

▪️ President Bola Tinubu approved the renaming, which the Ministry of Education described as reflecting Tinubu's "commitment to education as the bedrock of national identity" and a "fitting tribute" to Buhari's contributions.7

ASUU's Stance and Actions

▪️ ASUU has expressed outrage and strong rejection of the renaming.8

▪️ The union stated that its response will be "unequivocal, forceful, and commanding," guided by facts and reason.

▪️ ASUU plans to mobilize its Congress, veterans, and extended executive council for coordinated protests and actions to demand an immediate reversal of the decision.

▪️ The union encourages public intellectual and factual contributions ahead of wider consultations.9

▪️ ASUU vows that the legacy of UNIMAID will not be sacrificed for political expediency and has pledged to escalate protests if the decision isn't reversed.10

Public and Student Reactions

▪️ The announcement has been met with swift criticism from various segments of the university community and the public.

▪️ Students and alumni have launched online campaigns rejecting the proposed new name, "Muhammadu Buhari University, Maiduguri."

▪️ Many Nigerians, including some of Buhari's supporters, have taken to social media to oppose the move, citing the numerous public institutions already bearing his name, particularly in Borno State, and arguing that this move is unnecessary and divisive.11

▪️ While the Student Union Government (SUG) president, Yahaya Maigari, personally supports the decision due to Buhari's perceived contributions, he acknowledges that a significant percentage of students reject the renaming due to UNIMAID's long-standing reputation and its upcoming 50th anniversary.12