From HASSAN JIRGI, Maiduguri
Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, University of Maiduguri chapter has condemned the renaming of the institution after late former President Muhammadu Buhari, by President Bola Tinubu.
Tinubu had at a special Federal Executive Council, FEC, meeting in commemoration of the late former president renamed the University of Maiduguri as “Muhammadu Buhari University.”
Reacting to the proclamation, ASUU declared that the decision was not merely shocking, but represents a brazen affront to the sanctity of the institution, especially given its impending historic 50th anniversary under the globally recognised and deeply cherished “UNIMAID” brand.
A statement signed by the Chairman of ASUU-UNIMAID, Abubakar Saidu, stated that “this appalling decree has, understandably, ignited a firestorm of outright rejection across all segments of the community.”
According to the statement, ASUU, as always, responds to issues factually and without emotion, and matters of this magnitude cannot be treated differently.
The union stated that while it acknowledges the significant public and alma mater outcry, its collective response was guided intellectually with a clear understanding of the facts.
“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 posited.
