President Bola Ahmed Tinubu officially announced on Thursday that the University of Maiduguri will henceforth be known as Muhammadu Buhari University, Maiduguri, as a mark of respect and tribute to the late former Nigerian president.
The renaming was declared during a solemn and emotionally charged Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting held in Abuja. Tinubu spoke before a gathering of senior government officials, ministers, and aides, many of whom had served under Buhari during his time in office.
President Tinubu, in his remarks, described the late Buhari as a man of discipline, integrity, and deep patriotism, who dedicated his life to the service of Nigeria both as a military ruler and later as a democratically elected president. He noted that Buhari's name had become synonymous with strong moral values and unyielding commitment to national unity and anti-corruption.
“We are not here to canonize him as a perfect man,” Tinubu said. “Like all leaders, he had his flaws. But even with those imperfections, Muhammadu Buhari was a good, decent, and honourable man whose contributions to this nation will not be forgotten.”
Reflecting on Buhari’s presidency and broader impact on Nigerian society, Tinubu acknowledged that public debate around his legacy would continue, but insisted that the principles of incorruptibility, moral courage, and principled governance which Buhari upheld would remain part of Nigeria’s democratic ethos for generations to come.
The room, filled with Cabinet members, political dignitaries, and Buhari’s son, Yusuf Buhari, was reportedly silent and reverent as Tinubu made the announcement. The mood reflected a deep sense of respect and national reflection.
“Before we take the prayers in honour of his [Buhari’s] memory, with this special session of the Federal Executive Council (expanded), can we adopt the naming of the University of Maiduguri with a new name — Muhammadu Buhari University, Maiduguri,” the president declared, receiving resounding applause from attendees, including former ministers who served under the late leader.