President Bola Tinubu has officially renamed the University of Maiduguri to Muhammadu Buhari University, in honour of the late former President Muhammadu Buhari.
The announcement came during a Federal Executive Council (FEC) special tribute session held in Abuja. Tinubu described the renaming as a way to immortalise Buhari’s legacy in the education sector and the country at large.
According to President Tinubu, “The University of Maiduguri will henceforth be known as Muhammadu Buhari University.”
This decision follows the passing of Buhari and aligns with ongoing national efforts to honour past leaders who left a mark on Nigeria’s development.
The late Buhari, who served two terms as president, was remembered during the FEC event for his discipline, leadership, and contributions to national stability.
Government officials, including ministers and top aides, were present at the emotional ceremony where Tinubu praised Buhari as “unmoved by power and unseduced by applause.”
The renaming has drawn mixed reactions online. Supporters welcomed the move as timely and symbolic. Others, however, questioned the trend of renaming public institutions without public input.
This is not the first time a Nigerian university has been renamed to honour a national figure. Similar changes have occurred in past administrations, sparking debates about legacy, memory, and merit.
As the news spreads, many await the formal gazette and expected changes to official documents, academic records, and school signage.
The University of Maiduguri, now Muhammadu Buhari University, remains one of Nigeria’s leading federal universities in the North-East.
It has produced thousands of graduates across disciplines and played a critical role during the fight against Boko Haram insurgency in Borno State.
President Tinubu’s decision comes just days after he praised Buhari for setting high standards in ethical governance.