Tinubu Immortalises Buhari: University of Maiduguri Renamed to Honour Late Ex-President

In a solemn and historic gesture, President Bola Tinubu has officially renamed the University of Maiduguri after the late former President Muhammadu Buhari, as part of broader efforts to immortalize the ex-leader. The announcement was made during a special Federal Executive Council (FEC) session held at the State House in Abuja, dedicated to honoring Buhari’s legacy.

President Tinubu, in an emotional tribute, described Buhari as a man whose patriotism was rooted in action rather than rhetoric. According to the president, Buhari embodied rare qualities of humility, courage, and self-discipline, adding that his quiet integrity left an indelible mark on Nigeria’s political history.

The renaming of the university, situated in Nigeria’s conflict-affected North-east, was described as a symbolic legacy to acknowledge Buhari’s contribution to national development, particularly in education and regional peace-building.

During the tribute session, Tinubu eulogized Buhari as a leader who governed with restraint, maintained his integrity in public service, and showed deep commitment to Nigeria’s unity — from his military years to his civilian presidency. He noted that Buhari’s legacy was not only in governance but in his role in shaping the modern democratic evolution of Nigeria, particularly through the historic 2015 democratic transition.

The memorial session was attended by key government figures, including Vice President Kashim Shettima, National Assembly leadership, members of the Federal Executive Council, and the late president’s family. Several notable tributes poured in from Senate President Godswill Akpabio, House Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, and other high-ranking officials, all praising Buhari’s moral compass, incorruptibility, and dedication to national service.

The Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF), represented by its Chairman and Governor of Kwara State, AbdulRahman Abdulrazaaq, hailed Buhari as a statesman and patriot. The forum lauded President Tinubu for honoring his predecessor with what they termed a “historic and symbolic” state burial and national recognition.

Former ministers and top appointees, including Festus Keyamo and Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, also paid glowing tributes to Buhari’s Spartan lifestyle, moral leadership, and selfless dedication to public duty. Keyamo highlighted Buhari’s legacy of integrity, describing him as “a moral and ethical compass” in public service. Prof. Pate emphasized Buhari’s place in Nigerian history, urging critics to draw leadership lessons from his legacy rather than politicize his death.

Buhari’s son, Yusuf Muhammadu Buhari, speaking on behalf of the family, expressed deep gratitude to the president, vice president, their spouses, and the entire nation for the overwhelming show of love and solidarity.

The session concluded with calls for unity, reflection, and a renewed commitment to values that defined Buhari’s leadership — discipline, humility, and service above self.