The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID) chapter, has strongly condemned what it described as a politically motivated and ill-conceived move by Bola Tinubu to rename the University of Maiduguri after Nigeria’s late former President, Muhammadu Buhari.
In a press statement obtained by SaharaReporters on Saturday, the union’s chairperson, Abubakar Mshelia Saidu, called for the urgent mobilisation of its veterans, expanded executive council, and Congress members to resist what it termed a “brazen affront” to the institution’s history, identity and academic identity.
ASUU noted that the controversial renaming announced during a recent special Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting held in Buhari’s honour has generated widespread outrage both within and beyond the university community.
“This action is not merely shocking; it represents a brazen affront to the sanctity of our alma mater, especially given its impending historic 50th anniversary under the globally recognized and deeply cherished ‘Unimaid’ brand,” ASUU’s statement reads.
The union condemned the decision as an act of political expediency taken to an extreme, cautioning that the university’s hard-won legacy would not be surrendered on the altar of political patronage.
ASUU UNIMAID also warned that as public outrage grows, its response as a key stakeholder in the institution would be firm, decisive, and resolute.
The union statement continued: “This appalling decree has, understandably, ignited a firestorm of outright rejection across all segments of the community. However, as ASUU, a principal stakeholder and the unwavering voice of academic integrity and institutional autonomy, our response must be unequivocal, forceful, and commanding.
“ASUU, as always, responds to issues factually and without emotion, and matters of this magnitude cannot be treated differently. While we acknowledge the significant public and alma mater outcry, the Union will have to collectively respond, guided intellectually and with a clear understanding of the facts.
“This independent analysis will add immense value as we navigate the right path forward. Your input is not only crucial but imperative. We seek your unvarnished opinions and decisive pronouncements to help us forge a unified and potent stance that will guide our deliberations at Congress, Zonal and NEC meetings.
“We must articulate our adamant opposition and demand the immediate reversal of this ill-conceived and deeply offensive decision.
“The legacy of Unimaid, painstakingly built for five decades, will not be sacrificed on the altar of political expediency. We urge you to be a part of this historic moment as the date and time of the meeting will be announced in due course; our resolve must be collective.”
“The union accused the federal government of attempting to hijack the legacy of the institution for political reasons, despite UNIMAID’s 50-year history of academic resilience, especially in a region ravaged by insecurity and terrorism.
