The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID) chapter, is set to make its official stance known regarding the proposed renaming of the institution after the late President Muhammadu Buhari.
The decision is expected to be taken at the union’s forthcoming congress meeting.
The development follows the announcement by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu that UNIMAID would be renamed in honour of the late President Buhari, who passed away in a London hospital last Sunday after a brief illness.
In a telephone conversation with PUNCH Online on Sunday, Dr. Abubakar MShelia, the Chairman of UNIMAID ASUU, confirmed that the union’s leadership has already deliberated on the matter. However, a final resolution will be reached collectively during the next congress.
According to Dr. MShelia, the union executives and veteran members have held consultations, and a unified decision will be communicated to the public once the congress concludes. He declined to give any hints about what the position might be, stressing that the outcome would be revealed in due course.
Reactions to the proposed renaming have been mixed within the university community. The President of the Student Union Government (SUG), Yahaya Maigari, revealed that a notable section of the student body has expressed dissatisfaction with the change, citing the institution’s long-standing identity and legacy.
“UNIMAID is about to celebrate its 50th anniversary, and such a sudden change has not gone down well with many students,” Maigari noted. However, he also acknowledged Buhari’s contribution to national development and personally supported the renaming initiative.
Former SUG President Muhammad Bello echoed similar sentiments, describing the renaming as a fitting tribute to the late President’s legacy.
He emphasized that while some opposition is expected, the gesture reflects Buhari’s significant impact on Nigeria and beyond.
Meanwhile, the university community awaits ASUU’s final declaration, which is expected to shape broader public opinion and institutional response to the federal government’s decision.
