Abuja, Nigeria – July 17, 2025
In a symbolic gesture of respect and continuity, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has proposed renaming the University of Maiduguri after former President Muhammadu Buhari. The announcement was made today, Thursday, during a special expanded session of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) held at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
The meeting, convened in honour of the former president, brought together several key figures from Buhari’s administration, family members, and members of President Tinubu’s cabinet. Emotions ran high as President Tinubu addressed the gathering towards the close of the session.
“Before we say the closing prayers in honour of Buhari’s memory during this special FEC session, can we agree to rename the University of Maiduguri to Muhammadu Buhari University Maiduguri?” President Tinubu asked, prompting immediate applause from those present, including Buhari’s former ministers and his son, Yusuf Buhari.
The proposed renaming is seen as a tribute to Buhari’s impact on national development, especially in the North-East region where the university is located. Under his administration, efforts were made to combat insurgency and improve infrastructure in the area, making the choice of Maiduguri particularly symbolic.
While the announcement has stirred applause within government circles, it is expected to prompt public debate in the coming days, especially from stakeholders in the academic and civic community.
This move marks another step in President Tinubu’s effort to honour his predecessor’s legacy while fostering a sense of historical continuity in national governance.
