The Federal Ministry of Education has shed more light on why the University of Maiduguri was renamed in honour of the late former President Muhammadu Buhari. According to the ministry, the move was to recognise his deep and consistent commitment to advancing education in Nigeria.
In a statement signed by Folasade Boriowo, Director of Press at the Ministry, the government explained that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu approved the renaming during a special Federal Executive Council session held in honour of Buhari.
President Tinubu described Buhari as a true statesman whose administration stood firm on the pillars of national security, economic revival, institutional reforms, and anti-corruption.
The statement read:
“The Honourable Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Olatunji Alausa (CON), on behalf of the Federal Ministry of Education and the entire Nigerian education sector, expresses heartfelt appreciation to President Tinubu for his statesmanlike decision to immortalise the late President Muhammadu Buhari by renaming the University of Maiduguri in Borno State as Muhammadu Buhari University of Maiduguri.”
The renaming announcement came during a solemn FEC session, where President Tinubu gave a moving tribute to Buhari’s legacy. The session saw national leaders—Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, state governors, ministers, and other top officials—share their personal reflections and tributes.
Yusuf Buhari, son of the late President, also spoke on behalf of the Buhari family, expressing gratitude and appreciation for the honour bestowed.
The Education Ministry highlighted that this gesture was more than symbolic—it was a nod to Buhari’s unwavering drive for human capital development through impactful initiatives like the Anchor Borrowers’ Programme, the Treasury Single Account (TSA), the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP), and several social investment schemes.
Dr. Alausa emphasized that education played a central role in Buhari’s vision for Nigeria and continues to be at the heart of President Tinubu’s national renewal agenda. He said:
“President Tinubu’s decision shows not just empathy and respect but a deep belief in education as the foundation of any nation’s growth. His commitment to human capital development is strong and aligns with the values championed by President Buhari.”
The ministry concluded by reaffirming its dedication to the values of service, excellence, and integrity, which both leaders have come to represent in Nigeria’s history.
