President Bola Ahmed Tinubu today announced that the University of Maiduguri will henceforth be known as Muhammadu Buhari University, Maiduguri, in honor of the late former leader.
Presiding over a special session attended by cabinet ministers, senior officials, and aides, President Tinubu delivered an emotional tribute celebrating Buhari’s legacy of “discipline, moral fortitude, and unwavering patriotism.” The President acknowledged that “no leader is perfect,” but emphasized that Buhari remained “a good, decent, and honourable man” whose moral leadership set a lasting standard.
The chamber fell into reflective silence as Tinubu painted a portrait of Buhari’s austere leadership style: “He stood always ramrod—unmoved by the temptation of power, unseduced by applause, and unafraid of the loneliness that sometimes comes to those who do what is right rather than popular.”
Tinubu particularly highlighted their shared political journey, recalling how their 2015 alliance achieved Nigeria’s first peaceful democratic transition between ruling parties. He praised Buhari’s “restrained and dignified” leadership during that critical period, noting he “bore the burdens of office without complaint.”
While acknowledging that “every legacy invites scrutiny,” Tinubu insisted “the character he brought to public life, the moral force he carried, and the incorruptible standard he represented will not be forgotten.” He described Buhari’s rare blend of virtues: “His patriotism was lived more in action than in words, and his righteousness never sought attention.”
The renaming decision carries deep symbolism, anchoring Buhari’s legacy in the Northeast region that endured severe insurgency during his presidency. The university stands as a monument to his administration’s reconstruction efforts in the area.
Concluding the solemn session with prayers and a moment of silence, Tinubu reaffirmed: “The incorruptible standard he represented will not be forgotten.” The announcement has sparked nationwide reactions, with tributes pouring in from across Nigeria’s political spectrum.
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