President Bola Tinubu has approved the renaming of the University of Maiduguri in Borno State to Muhammadu Buhari University, in honour of the late former President Muhammadu Buhari.
The announcement was made on Thursday at the end of a special Federal Executive Council (FEC) session held at the Aso Rock Villa, Abuja, to honour Buhari’s legacy.
“May we now adopt the University of Maiduguri as the Muhammadu Buhari University,” Tinubu declared.
During the session, President Tinubu paid glowing tribute to Buhari, describing him as “a good man, a decent man, an honourable man” whose legacy of discipline, patriotism, and moral integrity would endure through generations.
He acknowledged that while Buhari, like all leaders, had imperfections, his commitment to national service distinguished him.
“President Buhari was not a perfect man, no leader is, but he was, in every sense, a good, decent, and honourable man,” Tinubu said. “His record will be debated, as all legacies are, but the character he brought to public life, the moral force he carried, the incorruptible standard he represented, will not be forgotten.”
Reflecting on Buhari’s military and political career, Tinubu praised his humility, integrity, and steadfast resistance to the allure of power.
“He stood ramrod straight; unmoved by power’s temptations, unseduced by applause, and unafraid of the loneliness that often comes with doing what is right,” Tinubu stated. “His courage was quiet, his righteousness unspoken, and his patriotism demonstrated more through actions than words.”
Recalling their political alliance that led to the landmark 2015 elections, Tinubu noted their collaboration brought about Nigeria’s first democratic transfer of power between political parties.
“We stood together—he and I—alongside others from across regions and political backgrounds to achieve that historic victory,” he said. “When he was sworn in as our party’s first elected president, he led with dignity and bore leadership’s burdens without complaint.”
Tinubu also commended Buhari’s modesty after leaving office, highlighting his peaceful return to Daura without interference in national affairs.
“When his tenure ended, he went back to Daura, not to command from the shadows or to influence outcomes, but to live simply as he always had,” Tinubu said. “Even in death, he remained serene—quietly submitting to the will of God.”
He expressed gratitude to the Inter-Ministerial Committee and Katsina State Governor, Dikko Radda, for organizing a state funeral within 48 hours, and said it was a “profound honour” to lead the burial in Daura.
Concluding his tribute, Tinubu offered prayers and gratitude:
“Mai Gaskiya, the People’s General, the Farmer President—your duty is done. May Almighty Allah forgive your shortcomings and grant you Aljannah Firdaus. May your life inspire generations to serve with courage and selflessness. President Buhari, thank you. Nigeria will remember you.”
Muhammadu Buhari passed away on Sunday, July 13, at the age of 82.
ADEOLA KUNLE
