In a significant tribute to Nigeria’s late former President Muhammadu Buhari, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the renaming of the University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID) in Borno State to Muhammadu Buhari University. This decision comes as part of efforts to honor the legacy of the late president, who passed away on July 13, 2025, following a prolonged illness.
The Announcement and Reason for the Renaming
The announcement of the renaming was made on Thursday, July 17, 2025, by Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser to President Tinubu on Information and Strategy, via a statement shared on his official X (formerly Twitter) account. According to Onanuga, the renaming was formalized during a Federal Executive Council (FEC) session in Abuja, which was convened to pay tribute to the late President Buhari.
The decision to rename the University of Maiduguri follows a series of honors for the late leader, including the declaration of July 15, 2025, as a public holiday to commemorate his life and legacy. The renaming of a prominent national institution is a fitting gesture, acknowledging Buhari’s contributions to Nigeria’s political, economic, and social spheres.
President Tinubu’s Tribute to Buhari
During the FEC session, President Tinubu led the tributes for his predecessor, describing Buhari as a man of immense integrity who lived a life of dignity and honor. Tinubu reflected on Buhari’s personality, highlighting his humility, strength of character, and unyielding commitment to public service.
“Yet it was in the quiet and unadorned settings of his private life that his true greatness was revealed: pious without show, just without cruelty, humane without sentimentality, temperate without coldness, and sincere without guile,” Tinubu remarked.
He further described Buhari as “steady in posture and spirit, dignified in bearing, and commanding by his very presence.” Tinubu emphasized that Buhari’s life exemplified virtue and was a beacon of integrity that guided all who encountered him.
“And, to those whom he loved most intimately, he was unfailingly tender, loyal, and good. His life was a rebuke to vice and a refuge for virtue,” President Tinubu concluded.
A Period of National Mourning
Following the passing of Muhammadu Buhari on July 13, 2025, national mourning protocols were observed. The Nigerian government declared a seven-day mourning period during which flags across the country were flown at half-mast. The public holiday on July 15 was declared to honor Buhari’s memory and legacy.
Buhari, who was 82 at the time of his death, passed away in London after a prolonged illness. His body was laid to rest in his hometown of Daura, Katsina State, in accordance with national burial protocols.
Legacy of Muhammadu Buhari
Muhammadu Buhari’s political career spanned several decades, beginning as a military ruler in the 1980s and later transitioning to a civilian president. His first tenure as president saw Nigeria’s political landscape transform under military rule, followed by years of political obscurity.
In 2015, after a long hiatus from politics, Buhari made a remarkable comeback by defeating incumbent President Goodluck Jonathan, marking a historic victory as the first opposition candidate to unseat a sitting president via ballot. His presidency was characterized by strong rhetoric against corruption, a commitment to combating the Boko Haram insurgency, and a pledge to restore order and discipline to the country.
However, his time in office was also marred by widespread concerns regarding human rights abuses, economic stagnation, and his frequent absences for medical treatment abroad. Despite these challenges, Buhari’s two-term presidency left a lasting imprint on Nigeria’s political landscape.
Buhari’s Legacy in Education
The decision to rename the University of Maiduguri in honor of Buhari underscores the late president’s commitment to education, infrastructure, and the development of the North-East region of Nigeria. Under Buhari’s leadership, efforts were made to enhance national security and provide the necessary infrastructure for education and development, especially in areas severely impacted by insurgency.
Muhammadu Buhari’s legacy in the educational sector, as well as in national security, will be immortalized through the renaming of this important institution, which is central to the academic and socio-economic development of the region.
Conclusion: A Lasting Tribute
The renaming of the University of Maiduguri to Muhammadu Buhari University serves as a lasting tribute to a man who led Nigeria through significant challenges. Buhari’s journey, from military ruler to civilian president, reflects a life of resilience, public service, and commitment to nation-building.
As the nation mourns his passing, President Tinubu’s decision to honor his predecessor by renaming a key national institution solidifies Buhari’s place in Nigeria’s history. The Muhammadu Buhari University in Maiduguri will stand as a testament to the late president’s enduring impact on the country’s political and educational landscape.
