Tinubu Renames University of Maiduguri in Honour of Buhari

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has announced that the University of Maiduguri will now bear the name Muhammadu Buhari University, Maiduguri, in honour of Nigeria’s late former President Muhammadu Buhari.

The announcement was made on Thursday during a special Federal Executive Council (FEC) session held in Abuja to pay tribute to the late leader.

Delivering an emotional address, President Tinubu extolled Buhari’s virtues, describing him as a man of rare moral courage, integrity, and unwavering commitment to Nigeria’s unity and progress.

“President Buhari was not a perfect man—no leader is—but he was a good man. A decent man. An honourable man,” Tinubu stated. He acknowledged that while Buhari’s legacy may be debated, the values he embodied—discipline, transparency, and incorruptibility—will endure as guiding standards for future leaders.

The session, attended by cabinet ministers, senior officials, and presidential aides, observed a moment of solemnity as Tinubu reflected on Buhari’s austere leadership style and principled governance. “He remained ramrod—unmoved by the temptation of power, unseduced by applause, and unafraid of the loneliness that often comes with choosing what is right over what is popular,” Tinubu said.

The president highlighted Buhari’s significant role in Nigeria’s democratic journey, especially their joint political alliance which culminated in the historic 2015 election—the first peaceful transition of power from one ruling party to another in the country’s history.

“His leadership in that moment was calm and dignified,” Tinubu recalled. “He bore the burden of the presidency without complaint and stood as a symbol of national unity in turbulent times.”

Tinubu emphasised that Buhari’s patriotism was shown more in action than in rhetoric, noting that he led with restraint, shunned excesses, and lived by principles rather than political expediency.

The tribute concluded with prayers and a moment of silence in Buhari’s memory. Across Nigeria, tributes continue to pour in from political leaders, civil society groups, and citizens reflecting on the legacy of a man many describe as a symbol of integrity in public service.