The Academic Staff Union of Universities at the University of Maiduguri has rejected the Federal Government’s move to rename the institution after late former President Muhammadu Buhari, promising to take legal action to stop the decision.
In a statement issued Friday and signed by Chairperson Abubakar Mshelia and Assistant Secretary Peter Teri, the union said the resolution followed an emergency congress held on July 24, 2025.
The congress, which included ASUU members, student union representatives, and other stakeholders, unanimously demanded an immediate reversal of the renaming decision.
“Following extensive discussions, the congress unanimously resolved to vehemently reject and strongly condemn the decision to rename the University of Maiduguri to Muhammadu Buhari University, Maiduguri,” the statement read.
ASUU described the move as a blatant disregard for university autonomy and a direct insult to the legacy and identity the university has built over five decades.
The union said the decision lacked consultation with the university community, alumni, and broader public and labeled it “ill-conceived, arbitrary, and devoid of meaningful engagement.”
It warned that such action reflects a worrying trend of neglecting due process and stakeholder input in national governance.
The union further revealed that its executive committee has been empowered to pursue all legal means to challenge the move and defend the institution’s original name.
ASUU also called on other branches, zones, and the national body to rally civil society groups, students, and the National Assembly to resist any legislative backing for the renaming.
“The union insists that the autonomy and integrity of public universities must be protected from political interference,” it stated.
