Tinubu renames Maiduguri university Muhammadu Buhari University, Maiduguri, in honour of the late former President Muhammadu Buhari, who passed away few days ago.
The announcement came during a special Federal Executive Council (FEC) session convened to commemorate Buhari’s legacy and service to the nation.
“In honour of his memory, will the special session of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) adopt the renaming of the University of Maiduguri to Muhammadu Buhari University, Maiduguri,” Mr Tinubu declared at the Thursday session, prompting unanimous support from council members.
Tinubu renames Maiduguri university Muhammadu Buhari University as a tribute to the former president’s impact on national security, democratic development, and Northern Nigeria’s educational aspirations.
The university, established in 1975 as one of Nigeria’s second-generation institutions, holds significant importance in the Northeast, a region Buhari consistently prioritised throughout his tenure.
Although the renaming has been announced, it is expected that the National Assembly will formally amend the university’s establishment act to reflect the new designation in federal law.
Buhari, who died at age 82 in a London hospital after a prolonged illness, was buried in his hometown of Daura, Katsina State.
His funeral drew national and international dignitaries, with tributes highlighting his military discipline, austere lifestyle, and doggedness in the fight against corruption and insurgency.
Born in 1942, Muhammadu Buhari first served as Nigeria’s Head of State from 1984 to 1985 after a military coup.
He returned to lead Nigeria as a democratically elected president between 2015 and 2023.
After completing his constitutionally permitted two terms, he handed over power to Bola Tinubu in May 2023 and retired to Daura.
President Tinubu’s move to rename the university immortalises Buhari’s contribution to education and security in the Northeast.
The University of Maiduguri, now Muhammadu Buhari University, started operations in 1976 after inheriting infrastructure from the defunct North East College of Arts and Science (NECAS).
Initially offering academic programmes in Arts, Education, Science, and Social Science & Law, it enrolled 743 students in its first year.
By 1978, it had expanded to six faculties, with new faculties of Agriculture and Law being created.
Today, the institution boasts 12 faculties and a College of Medical Sciences, as well as a School of Postgraduate Studies.
The faculties now include Agriculture, Arts, Dentistry, Education, Engineering, Law, Management Sciences, Pharmacy, Science, Social Sciences, and Veterinary Medicine.
Tinubu’s administration framed the renaming as a step consistent with its Renewed Hope Agenda, with a focus on national unity, educational investment, and honouring service to country.
A presidency official who attended the FEC session remarked, “President Tinubu’s move to rename the university immortalises Buhari’s contribution to education and security in the Northeast. It is a deeply symbolic gesture and a significant national decision.”
The renaming comes amid a broader public reckoning with Buhari’s legacy, with tributes pouring in from both critics and admirers.
Many see the university renaming as an apt recognition of his impact, especially in light of his efforts to stabilise the Northeast during the peak of the Boko Haram insurgency.
“Tinubu renames Maiduguri university Muhammadu Buhari University to affirm continuity in recognising national icons,” said political commentator Abdullahi Musa.
“This will resonate strongly across the North and among Buhari’s followers nationwide.”
The Muhammadu Buhari University, Maiduguri, is now expected to become not only an academic symbol but also a monument to the former president’s towering political presence and service to the nation.
