President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the renaming of the University of Maiduguri to Muhammadu Buhari University in honour of the late former President Muhammadu Buhari.
The announcement was made during a special session of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) held on July 17, 2025, in Abuja, and chaired by President Tinubu. The decision, according to the presidency, is a tribute to Buhari’s enduring legacy of public service, integrity, and his contributions to Nigeria’s democratic development.
In his remarks, President Tinubu described Buhari as a leader defined by “austere honour” and “moral fortitude,” who remained committed to transparent governance and resisted the temptations of power.
“This renaming is not just symbolic. It reflects the values of restraint, discipline, and nation-building that Buhari represented,” Tinubu said during the FEC session.
The decision has sparked a range of reactions across the country. Supporters, especially in the North-East, where Buhari’s administration prioritized infrastructure rebuilding and counterinsurgency, welcomed the move as a fitting recognition of his service. Critics, however, argue that while symbolic gestures are important, they should not overshadow the urgent need for reforms and investment in Nigeria’s struggling education sector.
The Federal Ministry of Education is expected to oversee the formal implementation of the name change in the coming days, ensuring that all administrative and academic transitions align with the new designation.
The renaming marks another moment of national reflection following Buhari’s death on July 13, 2025, as Nigerians continue to assess his legacy and impact on the country’s political and social landscape.
