The University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID)chapter of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has firmly opposed the Federal Government’s decision to rename the institution after the late former President, Muhammadu Buhari.
The union expressed its strong disapproval through a statement issued on Saturday, July 20, by its Chairperson, Dr. Abubakar Mshelia Saidu.
Dr. Saidu was reacting to the decision made public during the special session of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) held on July 17, convened to honour the memory of the late President Buhari.
The ASUU leader described the renaming decision as not only disrespectful to the institution’s legacy but also as a direct affront to its academic integrity and historical significance.
“This action is not merely shocking; it desecrates the sanctity of our alma mater,” the union’s statement declared. “UNIMAID is not just a name—it is a representation of decades of academic excellence, remarkable resilience, and national relevance, especially in a region ravaged by insurgency.”
ASUU stressed that the University of Maiduguri holds a unique place in Nigeria’s educational history, particularly as it prepares to celebrate its 50th anniversary.
The union warned that the proposed name change would effectively erase the hard-earned identity and heritage that the institution has built over five decades. According to the union, no political considerations should be allowed to diminish or distort this legacy.
Moreover, the union faulted the Federal Government for failing to consult key stakeholders before arriving at the decision. ASUU pointed out that such a significant move should have involved comprehensive discussions with the university’s governing bodies, alumni networks, traditional rulers, and other relevant stakeholders.
The absence of consultation, ASUU noted, undermines the principle of university autonomy and sets a dangerous precedent for the future of higher education governance in Nigeria.
In solidarity with ASUU’s position, students, alumni, and civil society organizations have also voiced their rejection of the proposed renaming.
Many have launched online campaigns opposing the new designation, “Muhammadu Buhari University, Maiduguri,” contending that the university’s legacy must remain untarnished by political influences or patronage.
The public backlash was sparked after President Bola Ahmed Tinubu announced the decision to rename the University of Maiduguri in Buhari’s honour. Tinubu made the declaration during the Federal Executive Council session held in memory of the late former President, who recently passed away.
Justifying the decision, President Tinubu described the renaming as a fitting tribute to Buhari’s contributions to national development. He praised Buhari’s leadership for having a significant impact on education, national security, and governance.
According to the President, Buhari’s efforts in combating insurgency in the North-East and his commitment to educational advancement made the University of Maiduguri a symbolic choice for immortalising his legacy.
President Tinubu further stated that Buhari’s stewardship during a critical period in Nigeria’s history played a pivotal role in preserving national unity, stability, and territorial integrity. He argued that renaming the institution would not only honour Buhari’s contributions but also serve to inspire future generations of Nigerians to emulate his dedication and patriotism in service to the nation.
Despite the official explanation, public discontent continues to mount. Prominent voices have condemned the decision, describing it as politically motivated and insensitive to the sentiments of the university community.
Renowned activist and politician Omoyele Sowore described the renaming initiative as “an insult to the history of the university.” He emphasized that such an action disregards the unique identity and historical significance of UNIMAID.
Similarly, former senator Shehu Sani criticized the move, warning against the increasing trend of renaming historic institutions after political figures. “This is not how we immortalize leadership,” Sani remarked. “We must stop reducing universities to monuments of political patronage. Our institutions should preserve their unique identities and histories.”
Adding to the resistance, a coalition of University of Maiduguri alumni and concerned citizens have initiated a petition opposing the renaming.
The petition, which has rapidly gathered over 1,600 signatures within a few days, highlights the university’s remarkable resilience during Nigeria’s security crises.
The petitioners emphasized that UNIMAID remained open and functional even during the peak of the Boko Haram insurgency, symbolizing the unyielding spirit of Borno State and the entire North-East region.
As the controversy deepens, several prominent public figures, intellectuals, and community leaders have continued to weigh in, calling on the Federal Government to reconsider the decision.
Many have urged that any such significant change should only come through broad-based consultations that respect the university’s history, identity, and the voices of those directly connected to its legacy.
The debate surrounding the proposed renaming of the University of Maiduguri reflects a broader national conversation on how best to honour past leaders without compromising the historical and cultural heritage of institutions that have shaped the nation’s educational landscape.