ASUU Drags Tinubu’s Govt to Court Over Buhari’s Name on UNIMAID

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), University of Maiduguri chapter, has declared total rejection of the Federal Government’s move to rename the institution after former President Muhammadu Buhari.

In a strongly worded statement released on Friday, July 25, 2025, ASUU-UNIMAID said it would challenge President Bola Tinubu’s decision in court.

The statement was jointly signed by the branch Chairperson, Abubakar Mshelia, and Assistant Secretary, Peter Teri.

The union said the resolution came after an emergency congress held on July 24. It noted that members of the Student Union Government and key stakeholders were present.

ASUU said:
“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 lecturers described the move as a violation of university autonomy, a disrespect to academic traditions, and a direct insult to the legacy of the 50-year-old institution.

They added that the decision was arbitrary, ill-thought-out, and done without consulting the university community, alumni, or the public.

“This is a troubling disregard for due process,” ASUU stated, accusing the Tinubu-led government of ignoring the views of those most affected.

The union further revealed that its executive committee has been directed to pursue legal action and defend the university’s identity in court.

It also called on all ASUU chapters across the country, the National Assembly, civil society groups, and students to resist any legislative attempt to legalize the name change.

“The integrity and autonomy of Nigerian public universities must be protected from political interference,” the union declared.

ASUU demanded an immediate and unconditional reversal of the renaming decision, insisting that the original name of the university be retained without compromise.

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