In a significant development from Nigeria’s education sector, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has officially renamed the prestigious University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID) to Muhammadu Buhari University in honour of his immediate predecessor. This important announcement was made public via an official statement shared by the Presidential spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, on Thursday, June 13, 2025. The decision was made during a solemn session of tributes at the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting dedicated to the late former President Muhammadu Buhari. Bayo Onanuga, in his post on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter), conveyed: “President Tinubu renames University of Maiduguri as MUHAMMADU Buhari University. President Tinubu announced the honour at the session of tributes of the Federal Executive Council to his late predecessor.” This renaming is viewed as a profound gesture to immortalize Buhari’s legacy, especially in the northern region where the institution is located. The University of Maiduguri, founded in 1975, has been a critical academic institution in the North-Eastern part of Nigeria, contributing immensely to education, research, and national development. Now bearing the name of Muhammadu Buhari, it is expected to symbolize enduring national values, leadership, and historical continuity. The announcement has since generated discussions across Nigeria’s academic, political, and social spheres. Supporters see it as a fitting tribute to Buhari’s impact on national security and regional development, especially in combating insurgency in the North-East. For context, Muhammadu Buhari served as Nigeria’s President from 2015 to 2023, overseeing significant infrastructural projects, anti-corruption campaigns, and efforts to stabilize Nigeria’s security landscape—especially in Boko Haram-ravaged regions like Borno State where the university is situated. Reactions and Implications Many observers and stakeholders are keen on how the renaming would influence the institution’s identity, branding, and national perception. Similar gestures in the past, such as renaming of federal institutions, have often been met with mixed reactions from alumni, students, and educationists. Nonetheless, with the renaming of UNIMAID, the government signals its intent to preserve historical narratives and honour distinguished national figures who have shaped Nigeria’s socio-political journey.
Discover how YABATECH is fostering industry-academia collaborations under the leadership of Dr. Ibraheem Abdul. Learn about new initiatives, mentorship programs, and partnerships with NEM Insurance to drive development and innovation. Lagos, Nigeria – Dr. Ibraheem Abdul, the Rector of Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH), has emphasized the need for strong partnerships between tertiary institutions and industries as a critical pathway to bridging the gap between academic knowledge and professional practice. During a courtesy visit to the management team of NEM Insurance, Dr. Abdul reiterated YABATECH’s commitment to fostering collaborations that would connect “town and gown,” creating mutual benefits for students, staff, and industry stakeholders. Bridging Academia and Industry Accompanied by members of the college’s management team, Dr. Abdul highlighted the institution’s strategic focus on equipping students with real-world skills through meaningful private-sector engagements. According to him, “Industry partnerships are a top priority for us at YABATECH. These collaborations ensure our students receive practical, hands-on training, preparing them to face modern workplace challenges.” The rector called for curriculum reviews that align academic programs with evolving industry trends. He invited NEM Insurance and other corporate organizations to actively participate in reshaping academic content to meet the demands of today’s job market. New Initiatives: Mentorship and Start-up Hubs As part of YABATECH’s vision for holistic student development, Dr. Abdul proposed a mentorship program called “A Day with the Professionals or CEOs.” This initiative would allow industry experts to engage directly with students, sharing insights, experiences, and guidance to inspire and prepare them for their future careers. Additionally, he advocated for the establishment of start-up hubs within the college. These hubs would act as incubators for innovation, offering students and staff opportunities to develop their ideas into viable businesses. Dr. Abdul emphasized the need for support in providing resources and start-up kits to encourage entrepreneurship and skills development. Insurance Sector Growth and Partnership Recognizing the growing importance of the insurance sector, Dr. Abdul stressed the need to train young professionals who can contribute meaningfully to the industry. He encouraged NEM Insurance to play a pivotal role in supporting such efforts. In response, Mr. Andrew Ikekua, Managing Director/CEO of NEM Insurance, commended YABATECH’s forward-thinking approach. “We at NEM are committed to supporting initiatives that promote education and industry growth. This partnership will strengthen our shared goals and create meaningful impact,” Ikekua affirmed. He also pledged NEM’s support for proposed exchange programs that would give students practical exposure in the insurance sector. A Shared Vision for Development Mr. Tope Smart, Chairman of NEM Insurance, reinforced the company’s dedication to the partnership, expressing confidence in the agreed-upon initiatives. He pledged NEM’s continued support for programs that bridge academia and industry, fostering innovation and professional development. Conclusion Dr. Abdul’s visit underscores YABATECH’s unwavering commitment to bridging the gap between academia and industry. Through strategic collaborations with organizations like NEM Insurance, the institution is positioning itself as a leader in preparing students for the demands of the modern workforce while driving innovation and entrepreneurship. By fostering such partnerships, YABATECH is charting a course for academic excellence, professional readiness, and industry growth in Nigeria. READ ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Chanel.
