President Bola Tinubu has announced the renaming of the University of Maiduguri to Muhammadu Buhari University in honour of late former President Muhammadu Buhari, who passed away on Sunday in a London hospital.
The decision was made public during a Special Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting held at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
President Tinubu said the renaming reflects the nation’s gratitude for Buhari’s legacy and the values he championed during his time in public service.
“In recognition of his immense contributions to Nigeria’s unity, national development, and public integrity, the University of Maiduguri will henceforth be known as Muhammadu Buhari University,” Tinubu declared during the meeting.
The late Muhammadu Buhari, a former military Head of State (1983–1985) and two-term civilian President (2015–2023), was buried in his hometown of Daura, Katsina State, on Tuesday amid a wave of national mourning.
His death, confirmed by family sources and the Presidency, came after a brief illness and medical treatment in the United Kingdom.
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Tinubu highlighted Buhari’s role in the fight against corruption, the promotion of infrastructure development, and his efforts to curb terrorism and insurgency, especially in the North-East region, where the university is located.
“It is only fitting that a leading institution in Borno State, a region central to the late President’s counter-insurgency efforts should bear his name as a symbol of peace, resilience, and educational progress,” Tinubu added.
The announcement has drawn reactions from across the political and academic communities.
Some praised the gesture as a worthy tribute, while others called for broader consultation before renaming federal institutions.
Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, in a statement, welcomed the renaming, saying “the Muhammadu Buhari University will stand as a lasting monument to a man who made the North-East a security and development priority.”