The Federal Government has officially renamed the University of Maiduguri, located in Borno State, to Muhammadu Buhari University of Maiduguri, in honour of the late former President Muhammadu Buhari, who passed away recently.

This development was announced in a statement issued on Friday by the Director of Press at the Federal Ministry of Education, Folasade Boriowo. The statement highlighted that the decision to rename the university was approved by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu during a specially convened session of the expanded Federal Executive Council (FEC) held to pay tribute to the late Nigerian leader.

According to the Ministry, the renaming of the institution is in recognition of President Buhari’s unwavering dedication to the advancement of education in Nigeria and his broader contributions to national development. The Federal Ministry of Education described the decision as a symbolic gesture that immortalises the values and achievements of the late President, especially his commitment to human capital development and reforms in key sectors.

In his remarks, the Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Olatunji Alausa (CON), conveyed profound appreciation to President Tinubu for what he described as a “statesmanlike decision” to immortalise the former president through the renaming of a key educational institution. Dr. Alausa noted that the Ministry and the wider education sector were deeply honoured to serve as the channel through which the legacy of Muhammadu Buhari would be permanently enshrined.

He stated, “President Tinubu’s decision reflects not only deep empathy and respect but also a firm belief in education as the bedrock of national development. His commitment to human capital development is unwavering and consistent with the path of national renewal that President Buhari championed.”

President Tinubu had opened the special FEC session with a moving tribute to the late former President, recounting his life of public service and his achievements in areas such as national security, economic revitalisation, institutional reform, and anti-corruption. The President described Buhari as a leader who, despite immense challenges, remained resolute in pursuit of a stronger and more united Nigeria.

Several dignitaries were present at the session and offered heartfelt tributes, including the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio; Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas; State Governors, Federal Ministers, and the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation. Representing the Buhari family, Yusuf Buhari, son of the late President, expressed gratitude to the government and the nation for the honour bestowed upon his father.

The Ministry further highlighted some of the transformative initiatives introduced during President Buhari’s administration, such as the Anchor Borrowers’ Programme, designed to boost agricultural productivity; the Treasury Single Account (TSA), which enhanced transparency in public finance management; the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP), which aimed to stabilise and grow the economy; and a range of social investment programmes targeting poverty reduction and youth empowerment.

The Federal Ministry of Education reaffirmed its dedication to upholding the ideals of integrity, service, and excellence exemplified by the late President Muhammadu Buhari and sustained by President Tinubu. The Ministry also reiterated that education remains central to the country’s development agenda and a cornerstone of national identity.

With this renaming, the Muhammadu Buhari University of Maiduguri is expected to continue serving as a centre of learning, research, and innovation, while also standing as a lasting monument to a leader whose policies and principles have shaped Nigeria’s socio-political and economic landscape.