President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has officially renamed the University of Maiduguri in Borno State to Muhammadu Buhari University, in honour of his predecessor, the late President Muhammadu Buhari, who passed away on July 13, 2025, at the age of 82.
The announcement was made public by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, via his official X (formerly Twitter) handle on Thursday, July 17, following a Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting held in Abuja.
“As part of the Federal Government’s efforts to immortalize the former President Muhammadu Buhari, the University of Maiduguri has been renamed Muhammadu Buhari University,” Onanuga wrote.
The renaming comes amid a seven-day national mourning period declared by the Federal Government, during which national flags are to fly at half-mast, starting from Sunday, July 13. Additionally, Tuesday, July 15, was declared a public holiday to honour the late statesman, who had been largely absent from the public eye due to prolonged illness since stepping down in 2023.
Tinubu’s Tribute: “His Life Was a Rebuke to Vice”
In an emotional tribute delivered during the special FEC session, President Tinubu praised Buhari’s austere character and legacy of service:
“It was in the quiet and unadorned settings of his private life that his true greatness was revealed: pious without show, just without cruelty, humane without sentimentality, temperate without coldness, and sincere without guile,” Tinubu said.
“His life was a rebuke to vice and a refuge for virtue. The purity of his private character gave radiance to the discipline and integrity of his public service.”
According to Channels TV and The Guardian Nigeria, the President also lauded Buhari’s legacy as a man who embodied discipline, dignity, and national devotion, despite facing criticism during his tenure for economic stagnation and human rights concerns.
From Daura to the World: Buhari’s Enduring Influence
Muhammadu Buhari, who died in London after a prolonged illness, was buried with full state honours in his hometown, Daura, Katsina State, in line with Islamic rites and national mourning protocols.
Buhari’s career in public life spanned over four decades, beginning with his brief military rule (1983–1985), followed by years in political wilderness, and culminating in a stunning democratic comeback in 2015, when he defeated incumbent Goodluck Jonathan to become Nigeria’s first opposition president via the ballot box.
He served two terms (2015–2023), with a governing agenda focused on:
- Anti-corruption campaigns
- Boko Haram counter-insurgency
- Infrastructure development
- Social investment programmes
However, his presidency was also marked by:
- Frequent medical leaves abroad
- Rising inflation and youth unemployment
- Suppression of protests such as #EndSARS
- Media clampdowns and civil liberty concerns
Still, Buhari maintained a loyal base, particularly in the North, where his reputation for discipline and frugality endured.
Why the University of Maiduguri?
The decision to rename the University of Maiduguri, located in northeastern Nigeria, is widely seen as symbolic. Buhari’s presidency coincided with the height of the Boko Haram insurgency, which severely impacted Borno State and the university itself a frequent target of attacks during the early years of the crisis.
“This university stood firm during Nigeria’s darkest hours,” said a senior academic at the school, speaking to Premium Times. “Renaming it after Buhari is not just about honouring him, but also remembering his administration’s role in reclaiming the Northeast from terrorism.”
Political and Public Reaction
Reactions have been mixed.
While many in Buhari’s political base have welcomed the gesture as a fitting tribute, critics argue that the decision comes too swiftly and may not fully reflect the public’s divided view of his legacy.
Civil society groups have urged the government to consult stakeholders including students, staff, and host communities before finalizing such institutional name changes.
What’s Next?
The renaming of the university is expected to take effect following the publication of an official gazette and necessary legislative or administrative formalities.
Meanwhile, Nigerians continue to reflect on the life and legacy of a leader whose political journey shaped the nation for decades for better or worse.
