The Federal Government has announced the renaming of the University of Maiduguri in honour of the late former President Muhammadu Buhari, describing the decision as recognition of his dedication to education and national development.
The announcement was made public on Friday through a statement by Folasade Boriowo, Director of Press at the Federal Ministry of Education, following President Bola Tinubu’s approval of the decision during a special session of the expanded Federal Executive Council convened to commemorate Buhari’s legacy.
During the session, President Tinubu delivered a tribute highlighting Buhari’s contributions as a patriotic statesman whose administration focused on national security, institutional reform, economic recovery, and anti-corruption initiatives. The ceremony brought together prominent government officials including Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas, state governors, ministers, and other dignitaries. Yusuf Buhari, son of the late president, spoke on behalf of the family.
The Ministry of Education characterized the renaming to Muhammadu Buhari University, Maiduguri, as both a symbolic and strategic honour reflecting the former president’s investments in human capital development.
“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 statement read.
The ministry detailed the proceedings of the special Federal Executive Council session, noting that “this announcement 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. The President opened the session with a moving tribute chronicling the life and service of the late statesman, particularly highlighting his commitment to national security, institutional reform, economic recovery, and anti-corruption efforts. Distinguished national leaders, including the Senate President, H.E. Godswill Akpabio; Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, Governors, Ministers, and Heads of Service of the Federation paid heartfelt tributes. In a solemn response, Yusuf Buhari, son of the late President, spoke on behalf of the Buhari family.”
The Education Ministry emphasized that the renaming acknowledges Buhari’s legacy, particularly his administration’s human capital development initiatives including the Anchor Borrowers’ Programme, the Treasury Single Account, the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan, and various social investment schemes.
Expressing appreciation for the sector’s role in preserving Buhari’s legacy, the ministry stated: “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. Dr. Alausa noted, ‘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.'”
The statement concluded by emphasizing the administration’s commitment to education as a foundation for development: “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.”
