Tinubu Names University of Maiduguri After Buhari in Honour of Late Leader

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has renamed the University of Maiduguri in Borno State as Muhammadu Buhari University.

The announcement came during a special session of the Federal Executive Council in Abuja, organized to honour the late former president, who passed away on July 13 in a UK hospital and was buried in his hometown of Daura, Katsina State.

The tribute event, held at the State House, brought together top officials, ministers, and dignitaries who paid their respects. Tinubu praised Buhari’s long public service record and described him as a man of rare discipline and integrity. He recalled how the former president maintained a quiet but unwavering dedication to the country, resisting the temptations of power and comfort.

Tinubu said the decision to rename the university reflects the legacy of a leader who inspired many through his simple lifestyle and honest leadership. He also acknowledged Buhari’s role in Nigeria’s first peaceful power transition between parties in 2015 and his decision to step back from political influence after leaving office in 2023.

The announcement followed a solemn tribute where Buhari’s son, Yusuf, became emotional while delivering the vote of thanks. President Tinubu praised the late leader’s family for standing by him during his years in service and thanked Hajiya Aisha Buhari and their children for their support.

The government had earlier made swift diplomatic efforts to return Buhari’s remains to Nigeria in less than 24 hours, waiving the standard five-day repatriation period required in the UK. Vice President Kashim Shettima noted that this fast-tracked burial was possible due to Buhari’s global respect and Nigeria’s strong diplomatic presence in London.

A prayer session was held in Daura, where Shettima described Buhari’s death as a loss not just to Nigeria but to the entire African continent. He led tributes from federal representatives, acknowledging Buhari’s unmatched commitment to duty, transparency, and national service. Shettima highlighted how the late president avoided political interference after his tenure and lived a quiet life in retirement.

Other tributes poured in from Senate President Godswill Akpabio, who remembered Buhari as a principled soldier and leader. Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen, called him a moral compass and shared personal memories of the late president’s humility and encouragement.

The event also featured remarks from ministers and governors, including Dele Alake, who described Buhari as incorruptible; Mohammed Idris, who said Buhari holds a special place in Nigeria’s history; and Kwara State Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, who hailed his national impact.

Former ministers and officials, such as Festus Keyamo, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, and Prof. Ali Pantami, reflected on Buhari’s influence on civil service, women’s rights, and displaced persons. Pantami, who led the prayer session, stressed the importance of continuous prayers for departed leaders.

Among the large number of dignitaries in attendance were former Vice President Namadi Sambo, governors from Borno and Katsina states, traditional rulers, former cabinet members, security chiefs, and Islamic scholars. Together, they offered their final respects to a leader many described as honest, humble, and devoted to Nigeria’s unity and development.

With the renaming of the university, Tinubu’s administration seeks to preserve Buhari’s name in Nigeria’s academic and political history, linking his legacy with a region he served and impacted.