President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has renamed the University of Maiduguri after the late former President Muhammadu Buhari.
The announcement came during a special session of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) held on Thursday in Abuja.
This unexpected decision is being seen as a symbolic gesture and a lasting tribute to the two-term president, who passed away earlier this week in London.
According to President Tinubu, renaming the university is a “mark of national gratitude” for Buhari’s long years of service to the country.
The late President Buhari, who served both as military head of state and later as a democratically elected leader, had strong connections to the North-East region.
His influence on Nigeria’s political and social structure was widely acknowledged during the special FEC meeting.
Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, praised the president’s decision, describing it as a respectful and thoughtful move.
“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,” he said.
Furthermore, the Minister noted the significance of this gesture to the education sector.
He added, “President Tinubu’s decision reflects not only deep empathy and respect but also a firm belief in education as the bedrock of national development.”
During the session, Tinubu emphasized that the change in the university’s name was aimed at recognising Buhari’s national impact, especially in areas such as education, agriculture, infrastructure, and human development.
“The President’s federal executive council memo, seeking to honour and recognise the enduring impact of President Buhari’s leadership, culminated in the Council’s approval to rename the institution in his memory,” Alausa explained.
Meanwhile, the education ministry sees this as more than just a name change.
According to a statement by the Ministry’s Director of Press and Public Relations, Boriowo Folasade, it reflects a deeper vision.
“This symbolic gesture highlights the administration’s recognition of education as a cornerstone for sustainable development and national identity,” she said.
During his tenure from 2015 to 2023, former President Muhammadu Buhari introduced several notable initiatives.
These included the TSA, Anchor Borrowers’ Programme, ERGP, and social investment schemes.
All of these had a significant impact on governance and the economy.
However, the renaming aligns with President Tinubu’s vision for a renewed focus on national values and legacy preservation.
