President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has renamed the University of Maiduguri as Muhammadu Buhari University, in honour of the late former President Muhammadu Buhari. The announcement was made during a special Federal Executive Council (FEC) session held at the Aso Villa on Wednesday evening.
This development was confirmed by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, via his official X (formerly Twitter) account. According to Onanuga, the President made the pronouncement at a session of tributes organised by the Federal Executive Council to commemorate Buhari’s legacy and service to the nation.
Credit: @aonanuga1956 via x.com.
President Tinubu had earlier posted on X:
“In honour of our late former President, H.E. Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, I have convened an expanded Federal Executive Council Meeting this evening at The Aso Villa. This special session is part of our collective tribute to a leader who served Nigeria with discipline, courage, and unwavering patriotism.”
Credit: @officialABAT via x.com.
The renaming of the university, located in Borno State, is being seen as one of the most symbolic tributes in the aftermath of Buhari’s passing, honouring his commitment to public service and education.
Garba Shehu, spokesperson to the late president, welcomed the announcement warmly, describing it as a fitting tribute.
“After a state burial like no other, the renaming of the University of Maiduguri after the late President Muhammadu Buhari is an honour well deserved. Heartening to see this happening in our lifetime in Nigeria. My personal view,” Shehu wrote on X.
Credit: @GarShehu via x.com.
However, not all responses have been celebratory. Senator Shehu Sani, known for his candid and often humorous political commentary, reacted sarcastically to the decision:
“One day all our Universities, Polytechnics and Colleges of Education would be named after someone; when exhausted, then two people will be sharing one,” he posted on X.
Credit: @ShehuSani via x.com.
The renaming has sparked conversations nationwide, with citizens and political observers weighing in on the merits and motivations of immortalising former leaders through national institutions. While supporters hail the gesture as deserved recognition, critics caution against over-politicisation of educational institutions.
Muhammadu Buhari University now joins a growing list of Nigerian universities named in honour of past leaders and national icons.
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