Our Correspondent
ABUJA — The Federal Government has officially renamed the University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID) in Borno State as Muhammadu Buhari University of Maiduguri, in recognition of the late former President’s enduring commitment to education, national security, and institutional reform.
This was disclosed in a statement released on Friday by Folasade Boriowo, Director of Press at the Federal Ministry of Education.
According to the statement, President Bola Tinubu approved the renaming during a special session of the Federal Executive Council (FEC), convened to honour the legacy of the late President Muhammadu Buhari. The renaming is one of several tributes made by national leaders to commemorate the life and contributions of the former head of state.
Speaking during the FEC session, President Tinubu described the late Buhari as a “true statesman” who prioritised national development through his dedication to national security, economic recovery, anti-corruption, and institutional reform. The President noted that renaming the university was a symbolic gesture to immortalise Buhari’s contributions to Nigeria’s progress.
The Education Minister, Dr. Maruf Olatunji Alausa, expressed the Ministry’s deep appreciation for the President’s “statesmanlike decision”, stating that the move represents not only a personal tribute but also a national affirmation of education as a cornerstone of sustainable development.
“President Tinubu’s decision reflects not only deep empathy and respect but also a firm belief in education as the bedrock of national development,” said Dr. Alausa.
The Minister highlighted that the education sector feels deeply honoured to serve as the channel through which Buhari’s legacy will be permanently enshrined.
The Federal Ministry of Education praised Buhari’s tenure for advancing human capital development, citing several key programmes launched during his administration, including the Anchor Borrowers’ Programme, the Treasury Single Account (TSA), the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP), and a range of social investment initiatives.
“These programmes, rooted in economic empowerment and institutional accountability, contributed meaningfully to national stability and growth,” the Ministry noted.
Alausa added that Buhari’s leadership style consistently emphasised discipline, transparency, and service, values that resonate with the ethos of higher education institutions.
A Solemn Moment for the Nation
The special FEC session was attended by key national figures, including the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio; Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas; several state governors, ministers, and heads of federal agencies. The late president’s son, Yusuf Buhari, delivered a heartfelt response on behalf of the Buhari family, expressing gratitude for the honour bestowed on his father.
In concluding its statement, the Ministry pledged to uphold the values championed by both Presidents Buhari and Tinubu—service, integrity, and a strong belief in education as the foundation for national identity and renewal.
The renaming of the University of Maiduguri marks a significant moment in Nigeria’s educational history and stands as a lasting tribute to the late President’s legacy in shaping national development through education and reform.