The Federal Ministry of Education has explained that the University of Maiduguri was renamed in honour of the late former President Muhammadu Buhari due to his consistent dedication to advancing education in Nigeria.
This clarification came in an official statement released on Friday by the Ministry’s Director of Press, Folasade Boriowo.
According to the statement, President Bola Tinubu approved the decision during a special Federal Executive Council session held to honour Buhari’s memory.
During the session, President Tinubu paid tribute to the late leader, describing him as a statesman who placed a strong focus on national security, economic revitalization, institutional strengthening, and anti-corruption efforts.
“The Honourable Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Olatunji Alausa CON on behalf of the Federal Ministry of Education and the entire Nigerian education sector, extends profound appreciation to His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, for his statesmanlike decision to immortalise the late President Muhammadu Buhari through the renaming of the University of Maiduguri, Borno State, as Muhammadu Buhari University of Maiduguri.”
The renaming was formally announced during the expanded FEC session, which opened with an emotional tribute from President Tinubu, highlighting key milestones in Buhari’s leadership and legacy. Dignitaries including Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Speaker of the House Tajudeen Abbas, state governors, ministers, and other top government officials also gave tributes.
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In response, Yusuf Buhari, speaking on behalf of the Buhari family, expressed gratitude for the honour.
The Ministry emphasized that the renaming reflects Buhari’s lasting influence, especially in the area of human capital development, citing policies such as the Anchor Borrowers’ Programme, the Treasury Single Account, the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan, and several social investment initiatives.
“The Ministry of Education is deeply honoured that the sector has been chosen as the channel through which the late President’s legacy will be permanently enshrined. Dr. Alausa noted, “President Tinubu’s decision reflects not only deep empathy and respect but also a firm belief in education as the bedrock of national development. His commitment to human capital development is unwavering and consistent with the path of national renewal that President Buhari championed.
“This symbolic gesture underscores the administration’s recognition of education as a cornerstone for sustainable development and national identity. The Ministry reiterates its commitment to upholding the values of service, integrity, and excellence that both late President Muhammadu Buhari and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu exemplify.”
