The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) at the University of Maiduguri has strongly opposed the Federal Government’s plan to rename the institution after the late former President Muhammadu Buhari.
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The decision to rename the university was announced during a special session of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) convened on July 17 in honour of the late president.
In a statement released by the union’s chairman, Dr. Abubakar Mshelia Saidu, the move was described as a “brazen affront” to the university’s legacy and academic values. He said the decision was politically motivated and failed to consider the institution’s long-standing identity and reputation.
Dr. Saidu stated that ASUU is mobilizing its members, veterans, and the extended executive council to resist what it called an “ill-conceived and deeply offensive” decision. He stressed that the union would respond “unequivocally, forcefully, and commandingly.”
According to the union, renaming the university would amount to desecrating a symbol of academic resilience that has stood firm despite the security challenges facing the North-east. The move is particularly controversial as it coincides with the university’s preparations to celebrate its 50th anniversary.
ASUU also noted that the late Buhari already has several institutions named after him, especially in Borno State, making the renaming unnecessary and divisive.
The union is calling for the immediate reversal of the decision and is urging members of the academic community and the public to contribute intellectual and factual arguments as it prepares for further deliberations on the matter.
