A Growing Trend: Five Institutions Now Bear Tinubu’s Name
The recent decision to name a newly built army barracks in Asokoro, Abuja, after President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has fueled criticism, adding to the growing list of institutions renamed in his honor since his inauguration in May 2023.
The Bola Ahmed Tinubu Barracks, inaugurated on January 23, 2025, is the latest in a series of naming decisions. Just before that, the federal government approved the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Polytechnic in Gwarinpa, Abuja, aimed at advancing vocational, technological, and entrepreneurial education.
This pattern started in March 2024 when the Niger State Government renamed Abubakar Imam International Airport in Minna to Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Airport. The move was met with strong opposition, especially from residents of Rafi Local Government Area, where the late Abubakar Imam Kagara hailed from. The controversy was heightened by the fact that the airport had only recently been named after Kagara in June 2023 to honor his contributions to Nigeria’s literary and political history.
In May 2024, the National Assembly Library and Resource Centre was inaugurated and renamed the Bola Tinubu Building, further cementing the trend. By December 2024, the Nigeria Immigration Service followed suit, naming its new high-tech headquarters after Tinubu, citing his dedication to innovation.
Beyond these five institutions, a proposal for a Bola Ahmed Tinubu Federal University of Nigerian Languages in Aba, Abia State, has been introduced in the House of Representatives. If approved, this would add another major institution to the growing list of entities bearing Tinubu’s name.
Ethical and Political Concerns Over Institutional Renaming
While renaming institutions after prominent leaders is not unusual, the speed and consistency of naming key national facilities after a sitting president have raised ethical questions. Critics argue that this could be politically motivated, aimed at cementing Tinubu’s legacy rather than recognizing contributions based on merit.
Historical Context of Military Barracks Naming
Traditionally, military barracks have been named after historic battles, military figures, or key locations related to Nigeria’s armed forces. Notably, during President Umar Musa Yar’Adua’s administration, a policy was introduced to reverse the trend of naming military installations after individuals. For instance, Obasanjo Barracks was renamed Mambilla Barracks, Mohammed Buhari Barracks was restored to Lungi Barracks, and Ibrahim Babangida Barracks reverted to Maimalari Barracks.
The recent decision to name the Asokoro barracks after Tinubu contradicts these past policies, making it a focal point of controversy.
Public Reactions: Calls for Policy Review
Civil Society Organizations Weigh In
Several civil society organizations have condemned the renaming trend, arguing that it promotes a culture of sycophancy. Seun Onigbinde, co-founder of BudgIT, labeled it an “abuse of norms,” calling on the president to put an end to the practice. Dr. Moses Paul, convener of the Free Nigeria Movement, criticized the decision, asserting that military barracks should be reserved for honoring fallen soldiers who made significant sacrifices for national security.
Other activists, including Comrade Ibrahim Zikirullahi of CHRICED, stressed that naming institutions after sitting presidents politicizes public infrastructure. He argued that such honors should be reserved for leaders post-tenure, based on their actual contributions.
Political Influence in Lagos and Beyond
Tinubu’s strong political influence in Lagos has led to multiple infrastructures bearing his name. These include:
- Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu Ultra Modern Market, Ijaiye Ojokoro
- Bola Tinubu Memorial Hall, Ifako-Ijaiye
- Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu Civic Centre, Ifako-Ijaiye LCDA
- Bola Ahmed Tinubu Estate, Abule Egba
- Ahmed Tinubu Modern Market, Agbara
- Bola Ahmed Tinubu Train Station
While supporters argue that these renamings recognize Tinubu’s impact on Lagos and Nigeria, critics believe they reinforce political dominance and undermine democratic principles.
A Call for Legislative Action
Given the growing concerns, transparency advocates like Auwal Musa Rafsanjani of Transparency International Nigeria (TI-Nigeria) are pushing for legislation to regulate the renaming of public institutions. He suggests that such decisions should involve broad consultations with civil society groups and the public to prevent political manipulation.
Comparing Nigeria’s case with international examples, Rafsanjani pointed out that similar patterns in countries like Zimbabwe, Uganda, and Russia have often led to political instability and weakened democratic institutions.
For Nigeria, the debate over naming institutions after Tinubu highlights deeper issues of governance, accountability, and the role of political influence in shaping national symbols. As this trend continues, calls for reform are expected to grow louder.
Conclusion: A Growing Debate on Leadership and Legacy
While President Tinubu’s administration has not violated any laws in renaming institutions, the widespread criticism indicates that many Nigerians see this practice as ethically questionable. If left unchecked, it could set a precedent where institutions and infrastructures are renamed with every new administration, eroding historical continuity.
The question remains: Should public institutions be named after a sitting president, or should such honors be reserved for leaders who have completed their tenure and left an undeniable mark on history?
For now, the debate rages on.
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