The decision was adopted after an emergency congress on July 24, 2025, according to a statement released by ASUU-UNIMAID on Friday and jointly signed by its chairperson, Abubakar Mshelia, and assistant secretary, Peter Teri.

The organization claims that representatives of the student organization government, ASUU members, and other important stakeholders attended the congress.

Following much discussion, the legislature unanimously called for “the immediate and unconditional reversal” of the name decision, according to the report.

“The congress unanimously decided to vehemently reject and strongly condemn the decision to rename the University of Maiduguri to Muhammadu Buhari University, Maiduguri, after extensive discussions,” the union stated.

“Any attempt to rename the University of Maiduguri—after 50 years of distinguished existence—is viewed by Congress as a direct insult to the collective heritage and identity of the university community, a blatant disregard for university autonomy, and a disruption of beloved academic traditions.”

“Ill-conceived, arbitrary, and devoid of meaningful consultation with the university community, alumni, relevant stakeholders, and the general public,” the union said of the decision.
A “troubling disregard for due process and stakeholder engagement in governance” was another way it characterized the action.

The ASUU-UNIMAID executive committee was directed to “explore all available legal avenues to challenge the renaming decision and ensure that the university’s original identity is preserved,” the union said.

In order to oppose any legislative attempt to support the name change, it also urged ASUU branches, zones, and the national body to involve the National Assembly, students, civil society organizations, and other pertinent actors.

The union further stated that “political interference must not be allowed to compromise the autonomy and integrity of public universities.”