UNIMAID Renamed Muhammadu Buhari University to Immortalize Late President’s Legacy

The Federal Government has formally renamed the University of Maiduguri as Muhammadu Buhari University of Maiduguri in a posthumous honour to the late former President Muhammadu Buhari, citing his lifelong commitment to education, institutional reform, and national development. The renaming was approved by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu during a specially convened expanded session of the Federal Executive Council held to celebrate Buhari’s contributions to Nigeria.

According to iReporter Online, the announcement was conveyed through a statement by the Federal Ministry of Education’s Director of Press, Folasade Boriowo. It noted that the name change was not just a tribute to Buhari’s legacy but a symbolic recognition of his investment in human capital development. During the session, President Tinubu paid a moving tribute to his predecessor, acknowledging his presidency’s focus on national security, economic recovery, anti-corruption efforts, and governance reforms.

The high-profile gathering was attended by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, House Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, state governors, ministers, and top federal officials. Representing the bereaved family, Buhari’s son, Yusuf, delivered an emotional address in which he reflected on his father’s enduring values and statesmanship.

According to iReporter Online, Education Minister Dr. Maruf Olatunji Alausa described the renaming as a historic gesture that aligns with the Ministry’s mission to enshrine national heroes through educational milestones. He stated that the decision signaled the president’s profound respect for Buhari’s service and his belief in education as the foundation for national advancement.

The Ministry emphasized Buhari’s role in launching transformative initiatives such as the Treasury Single Account, the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan, the Anchor Borrowers’ Programme, and various social investment projects. These, the Ministry noted, were pivotal to driving human capital development and socio-economic stability during his tenure.

According to iReporter Online, the Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to uphold the principles both President Buhari and President Tinubu represent—service, excellence, and national renewal. The renaming of the institution, they said, not only immortalizes a former president but also reinforces education’s role as a pillar of national identity and progress.