The Academic Staff Union of Universities, University of Maiduguri has disclosed that it is working towards a final stand on the renaming of the institution after late President Muhammadu Buhari by President Bola Tinubu.
On Sunday, 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; “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.”
On the other hand, the President of the Student Union Government of the university, Yahaya Maigari, stated that some of the students are against the development.
“For me as the SUG President, I truly support the decision to rename the university after the late President, particularly in recognition of his lifelong contribution to Borno and Nigeria at large,” he added.
Also, the immediate past SUG President, Muhammad Bello, supported the change of name stating that Buhari contributed greatly to national development and therefore, deserved that much.
On Friday, the ministry of Education in a statement by Folasade Boriowo, the Ministry’s director of press, had clarified why it was a necessary move that Tinubu renamed the institution after Buhari.
He said; “The Honourable Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Olatunji Alausa CON on behalf of the Federal Ministry of Education and the entire Nigerian education sector, extends profound appreciation to His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, for his statesmanlike decision to immortalise the late President Muhammadu Buhari through the renaming of the University of Maiduguri, Borno State, as Muhammadu Buhari University of Maiduguri.
“The Ministry of Education is deeply honoured that the sector has been chosen as the channel through which the late President’s legacy will be permanently enshrined.
“President Tinubu’s decision reflects not only deep empathy and respect but also a firm belief in education as the bedrock of national development. His commitment to human capital development is unwavering and consistent with the path of national renewal that President Buhari championed.
“This symbolic gesture underscores the administration’s recognition of education as a cornerstone for sustainable development and national identity. The Ministry reiterates its commitment to upholding the values of service, integrity, and excellence that both late President Muhammadu Buhari and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu exemplify.”
The announcement of the name change was made during a special session of the expanded Federal Executive Council convened by President Tinubu to honour the legacy of the late President Muhammadu Buhari.
Distinguished national leaders were present at the ceremony where Tinubu highlighted some of the Greta achievements of the late ex-president.
Some of the leaders who were present include, the Senate President, H.E. Godswill Akpabio; Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas; Governors, Ministers, and Heads of Service of Federation paid heartfelt tributes.
