Buhari: ASUU to Sue Federal Government Over UNIMAID Renaming

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), University of Maiduguri chapter, has announced plans to sue the Federal Government over its decision to rename the institution after the late former President Muhammadu Buhari. The union described the move as unacceptable and vowed to take legal action to have it reversed.

In a statement released on Friday, July 25, 2025, and jointly signed by the chapter’s Chairperson, Abubakar Mshelia, and Assistant Secretary, Peter Teri, ASUU-UNIMAID said the resolution to challenge the renaming was reached during an emergency congress held on July 24. The meeting included members of the academic staff union, student union representatives, and other key stakeholders.

The union said the congress unanimously rejected the renaming of the university, calling it a “flagrant disregard for university autonomy, a disruption of cherished academic traditions, and a direct affront to the collective heritage and identity of the university community.” Established 50 years ago, the university has built a legacy the union says must not be tampered with.

ASUU-UNIMAID further criticised the decision as arbitrary and lacking proper consultation with the university community, alumni, and the public. The statement described the renaming as an “ill-conceived” action that reflects a troubling disregard for due process and stakeholder engagement.

To resist the move, the union has mandated its executive committee to explore all available legal options to preserve the university’s original name. It also called on ASUU branches across the country, civil society organisations, students, and the National Assembly to oppose any legislative support for the name change.

ASUU-UNIMAID concluded by demanding that the autonomy and integrity of public universities be protected from political interference.