The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) chapter at the University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID) has announced that it will settle its position on renaming the institution after former President Muhammadu Buhari during an upcoming congress. This marks the next major step in what has become a nationwide debate.
Recall that in a verbal directive during a special Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting on July 17, President Bola Tinubu mandated that UNIMAID be rebranded as “Muhammadu Buhari University, Maiduguri.”
ASUU’s UNIMAID chapter, led by Dr. Abubakar Mshelia Saidu, dismissed the move as “politically driven” and a “brazen affront” to the university’s 50-year heritage. The union is now rallying its membership—including veterans and extended executive council—to define a united stance at its forthcoming congress.
Students’ Union backs the renaming
In a surprising twist, the UNIMAID Students’ Union President has reportedly expressed support for the name change, citing a desire to honor Buhari’s contributions to regional stability and security. Their position contrasts sharply with ASUU’s posture and reflects the campus’s internal divisions. While ASUU remains critical, the student leadership believes the renaming could reaffirm unity and national respect.
Meanwhile, broader community sentiment is mixed. Some alumni and residents welcome the tribute, citing Buhari’s role in combating Boko Haram and restoring peace to Borno State. Others remain firmly opposed, pointing to the former president’s neglect of education—highlighting the lengthy ASUU strikes during his tenure (totaling over 600 days) and declining federal education funding.
The upcoming congress: what’s at stake
In a telephone interview on Sunday with PUNCH Online, the chairman of the university ASUU, Dr. Abubakar MShelia, said their position will be disclosed to the public after the next congress meeting.
He said, “Our members will be meeting, and we shall make our position known to the public.
“We will make our position very clear by the time the congress meets. The excos have met, and the veterans have met.
“We have collectively decided that soon, we will make our position public and convey the message to whom it may concern.”
It is clear that the scheduled congress in the coming days is to finalize decisions on a possible protest, legal measures, or a formal petition to reverse the order.
This move might possibly create room for inputs from all members and stakeholders to ensure that any action reflects collective academic judgment, not impulse or emotion.
Legal experts warn that any legitimate name change would require amendment of the university’s establishment Act by the National Assembly, not simply an executive order.
Tough task ahead
If ASUU resolves to oppose, it could trigger nationwide academic solidarity or even industrial action.
The Student Union’s approval complicates matters—showing a divide between academic staff and student leadership that foreshadows intense negotiations.
The Federal Government has yet to issue additional clarification. Whether President Tinubu’s directive survives institutional review or dissolves under public and legal pressure remains uncertain.
Conclusion
The UNIMAID saga is more than a naming controversy—it’s a test of institutional autonomy, academic integrity, and the limits of executive power in academia. As ASUU and students prepare for a congress showdown, what happens next could redefine the relationship between the government and educational institutions.
If you are a student of the institution, will you take side with the Students Union President or not? Let us know in the comments section.