The decision of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to rename the University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID) after the late former President Muhammadu Buhari has attracted widespread discussions across the country. While some Nigerians applaud the renaming, others question the rationale behind renaming an institution with over five decades of history. The Federal Government has provided further insight into the motivations behind Tinubu’s decision. The Minister of Education, Olatunji Alausa, through an official statement on Friday, shed light on the matter, describing the renaming as a meaningful tribute to Buhari’s lasting contributions to Nigeria’s socio-political landscape. The statement, which was endorsed by Boriowo Folasade, Director of Press and Public Relations in the Ministry of Education, was shared on the ministry’s verified X (formerly Twitter) handle, affirming the government’s position. According to Minister Alausa, “The Ministry of Education feels deeply privileged that the educational sector has been chosen as the platform to immortalize the legacy of the late President Muhammadu Buhari.” He emphasized that such recognition signifies the enduring impact Buhari made on the nation’s trajectory. This announcement followed a special session of the Federal Executive Council (FEC), organized to honour Buhari’s memory. The former President died on July 13, 2023, at the age of 82 while receiving treatment in a London clinic. After his passing, Buhari was laid to rest in his hometown of Daura, Katsina State, where he was given a state funeral attended by national and international dignitaries. Public reaction to the renaming of UNIMAID has been divided. While a section of Nigerians consider it a worthy gesture acknowledging Buhari’s historical significance — especially since he once served as military governor of Borno State before his tenure as Nigeria’s democratic leader — others argue that changing the name of an institution established over 50 years ago may not have been necessary. Responding to these concerns, Education Minister Alausa defended the presidential directive, clarifying that the renaming carries deeper connotations beyond a mere symbolic act. He elaborated that Buhari’s administration from 2015 to 2023 was characterized by substantial reforms in areas such as national security, anti-corruption, infrastructure, agriculture, and human capital development. Among the landmark initiatives under Buhari’s leadership, Alausa mentioned the Anchor Borrowers’ Programme, the Treasury Single Account (TSA), the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP), and several social investment programs. These policies, according to Alausa, played significant roles in propelling national progress and economic stabilization. Further appreciating Tinubu’s decision, Alausa described it as an embodiment of “deep empathy and respect,” reflecting President Tinubu’s unwavering belief in the power of education as a critical pillar of national advancement. He remarked, “President Tinubu’s dedication to fostering human capital development is steadfast, aligning seamlessly with the national renewal vision championed by President Muhammadu Buhari.” Alausa stressed that the renaming of UNIMAID is more than a ceremonial gesture; it symbolizes the enduring values that Nigeria should continue to uphold — values such as service, integrity, and excellence, which he credited both the late Buhari and President Tinubu for exemplifying throughout their public service careers. The ministry reaffirmed its commitment to these values, underscoring the importance of preserving and promoting the ideals that have shaped Nigeria’s path to development
Abuja — In a moving address, President Bola Tinubu commemorated his predecessor, the late Muhammadu Buhari, lauding his unwavering patriotism which, according to him, was better expressed in tangible deeds rather than lofty speeches. The tribute was delivered during a special session of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) held at the Presidential Villa in Abuja in Buhari’s honor. University Renaming and Presence of National Dignitaries Marking a symbolic gesture, President Tinubu declared that the University of Maiduguri would henceforth bear Buhari’s name. The FEC session witnessed the attendance of key national figures including the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio; House Speaker, Tajudeen Abbas; Deputy Senate President, Barau Jibril; Deputy Speaker, Benjamin Kalu; and Head of Civil Service, Dr. Didi Walson-Jack. Others included the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume; and state governors like AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara, Hope Uzodimma of Imo, and Dikko Radda of Katsina. Buhari’s family was present, though the former First Lady, Dr. Aisha Buhari, was absent in her role as chief mourner. Buhari’s Demise and Final Rites Former President Buhari, who ruled from 2015 to 2023, passed away in London on July 13 after a prolonged illness. His remains were interred in his hometown, Daura, Katsina State, following Islamic funeral rites on July 15, 2025. Tinubu’s Deep Reflections on Buhari’s Character and Leadership President Tinubu, arriving at the Council Chambers around 5:27 PM, joined the cabinet already in session. Commencing with the national anthem, Tinubu paid his respects, recalling Buhari’s essence as a leader whose patriotism was displayed through action. “We gather under a heavy shadow today, reflecting on a life whose absence will resonate through generations. President Buhari’s presence guided us, his voice uplifted us, and his convictions stood unyielding even against public sentiment,” Tinubu noted. He further extolled Buhari as “first among soldiers in war, and first among citizens in peace,” emphasizing his unpretentious kindness and his unwavering serenity, even in his final moments. “President Buhari’s true greatness was evident in his private life—devout, just, humane, and temperate. His quiet submission to God’s will remains a testament to his character,” Tinubu added. Buhari’s Democratic and Military Legacy Tinubu acknowledged Buhari’s vast contributions to Nigeria’s democratic journey, particularly through the All Progressives Congress (APC), which enabled a historic democratic transition. “We stood together to create an alliance that brought about Nigeria’s first genuine democratic power transfer,” Tinubu stated, highlighting Buhari’s role in both the battlefield and the corridors of power. “Despite all his achievements, his lasting legacy is in democracy and governance with dignity,” he said. Tinubu praised Buhari for his peaceful retirement to Daura, choosing not to influence governance from the shadows—an uncommon trait among former leaders. “He was not perfect—no leader is—but he was decent, honourable, and incorruptible,” Tinubu concluded, urging Nigerians to honor Buhari’s legacy through humility, discipline, compassion, and justice. National Tributes from Key Leaders Senate President Godswill Akpabio hailed Buhari as a principled leader who valued duty over glory. “Where others sought fame, he sought duty. His toughness stemmed from patriotism, not pride,” Akpabio emphasized. House Speaker Tajudeen Abbas described Buhari as “no ordinary figure,” noting his moral clarity and devotion to a life of simplicity and service. “His austere lifestyle was shaped by his deep Islamic faith and his understanding of life’s brevity and ultimate judgment,” Abbas remarked. Other tributes were presented by national figures like Dr. Didi Walson Jack, Governors Hope Uzodimma, Ministers Festus Keyamo, Atiku Abubakar, Dele Alake, Senator Dave Umahi, and Hajia Imaan Suleiman-Ibrahim. Appreciation from Buhari’s Family Yusuf Buhari, son of the deceased, expressed gratitude to President Tinubu, Vice President Shettima, and other dignitaries for honoring his father. Lagos Indigenes Commend Tinubu’s Burial Arrangements The Lagos Prominent Indigenes, led by Chief Adesunbo Onitiri, praised Tinubu for organizing a befitting burial. The group applauded the promptness with which Tinubu dispatched Vice President Shettima and Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila to accompany Buhari’s remains from London. “The seamless burial arrangements fostered genuine unity among Nigeria’s diverse ethnic groups,” Onitiri affirmed. Shettima’s Reflections on Justice and Buhari’s Integrity At the third-day prayer (Fidau) in Daura, Vice President Shettima honored Buhari’s dedication to justice, citing Ibn Khaldun’s philosophy that the essence of civilization is justice. “Buhari pursued justice sincerely, often misunderstood but with integrity,” Shettima remarked, praying for Buhari’s eternal peace. He also conveyed President Tinubu’s deep personal sorrow and commitment to preserving the dignity of Buhari’s family and the people of Katsina State.
