The Federal Government has said the decision to rename the University of Maiduguri after the late former President Muhammadu Buhari was a tribute to his unwavering commitment to education and national development.
This was disclosed on Friday in a statement issued by the Director of Press at the Federal Ministry of Education, Folasade Boriowo.
According to the statement, President Bola Tinubu approved the renaming during a special session of the expanded Federal Executive Council (FEC), convened to honour the memory and legacy of the late Nigerian leader.
President Tinubu, while addressing the session, praised Buhari as a patriotic statesman whose presidency prioritised national security, institutional reform, economic recovery, and the fight against corruption.
The session was attended by top government officials, including Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, state governors, ministers, and other dignitaries. Buhari’s son, Yusuf, delivered a tribute on behalf of the family.
The Ministry of Education described the renaming of the University of Maiduguri to Muhammadu Buhari University, Maiduguri, as a symbolic and strategic honour reflecting Buhari’s investments in human capital development.
The statement reads, “The Honourable Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Olatunji Alausa CON on behalf of the Federal Ministry of Education and the entire Nigerian education sector, extends profound appreciation to His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, for his statesmanlike decision to immortalise the late President Muhammadu Buhari through the renaming of the University of Maiduguri, Borno State, as Muhammadu Buhari University of Maiduguri.
“This announcement was made during a special session of the expanded Federal Executive Council convened by President Tinubu to honour the legacy of the late President Muhammadu Buhari. The President opened the session with a moving tribute chronicling the life and service of the late statesman, particularly highlighting his commitment to national security, institutional reform, economic recovery, and anti-corruption efforts. Distinguished national leaders, including the Senate President, H.E. Godswill Akpabio; Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, Governors, Ministers, and Heads of Service of the Federation paid heartfelt tributes. In a solemn response, Yusuf Buhari, son of the late President, spoke on behalf of the Buhari family.”
The Education Ministry further described the renaming as a symbolic gesture that acknowledges Buhari’s legacy, especially his administration’s efforts in human capital development through initiatives such as the Anchor Borrowers’ Programme, the Treasury Single Account, the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan, and various social investment schemes.
The statement continued, “The Ministry of Education is deeply honoured that the sector has been chosen as the channel through which the late President’s legacy will be permanently enshrined. Dr. Alausa noted, “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.
“This symbolic gesture underscores the administration’s recognition of education as a cornerstone for sustainable development and national identity. The Ministry reiterates its commitment to upholding the values of service, integrity, and excellence that both late President Muhammadu Buhari and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu exemplify.”