Tinubu Leads Tributes, Renames UNIMAID After Buhari

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has officially renamed the University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID) in Borno State as Muhammadu Buhari University, Maiduguri, in honour of the late former President Muhammadu Buhari. The announcement was made on Thursday during an expanded session of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) held at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

“Before we take the prayers — in honour of his memory, with this special session of the Federal Executive Council (expanded) — can we adopt the naming of the University of Maiduguri with a new name — Muhammadu Buhari University, Maiduguri,” Tinubu said, prompting a round of applause from attendees. Among those present were ministers from Buhari’s administration, senior government officials, and Buhari’s son, Yusuf.

The decision marks a significant gesture of respect and national recognition for Buhari, who passed away on July 13 in London after a prolonged illness. The former president was buried on Tuesday in a solemn ceremony attended by dignitaries from Nigeria and across the globe.

A Leader Remembered: Tributes Pour In at FEC Meeting presided over by President Tinubu

President Tinubu, leading the eulogies at the FEC session, described Buhari as a man whose life was defined by discipline, integrity, and simplicity. “Yet it was in the quiet and unadorned settings of his private life that his true greatness was revealed,” Tinubu said. “Pious without show, just without cruelty, humane without sentimentality, temperate without coldness, and sincere without guile.”

Tinubu, who succeeded Buhari in office in 2023, reflected on the personal and public legacy of the late leader. “His life was a rebuke to vice and a refuge for virtue,” he said. “The purity of his private character gave radiance to the discipline and integrity of his public service.”

Many who served under Buhari echoed similar sentiments, highlighting his commitment to the fight against corruption, his austere lifestyle, and his enduring belief in Nigeria’s unity and sovereignty. His son Yusuf, visibly moved, thanked President Tinubu and the nation for honouring his late father.

Buhari’s Legacy: From Military Rule to Democratic Governance

Born in Katsina State, Muhammadu Buhari was one of Nigeria’s most consequential leaders. He first ruled the country as a military head of state between 1983 and 1985 following a coup. Decades later, he returned to power through the ballot, becoming Nigeria’s president in 2015 and serving two terms until 2023.

During his eight years in office as a democratically elected leader, Buhari pursued a vision of national rebirth anchored on anti-corruption, security, and economic restructuring. His tenure witnessed mixed reactions but was widely credited with stabilizing key sectors and increasing government transparency.

He became Nigeria’s second-longest-serving leader, after Olusegun Obasanjo, leaving behind a complex but impactful legacy. Political analysts continue to debate his economic record, but few dispute his personal integrity and unwavering patriotism.

Mixed Reactions Trail Renaming Decision

While the renaming of UNIMAID has been welcomed by Buhari’s supporters and former cabinet members, it has sparked mixed reactions among the academic community and civil society groups. Some stakeholders have praised the move as a fitting tribute to a national icon, especially considering Buhari’s contributions to security and development in the northeast.

However, others argue that major institutional renamings should involve consultations with stakeholders, including university staff, students, alumni, and local communities. “It is not about whether Buhari deserves the honour or not, but about the due process of such a monumental decision,” one university lecturer who asked to remain anonymous stated.

Despite the debates, the federal government insists that the renaming serves as a permanent reminder of Buhari’s contributions to Nigeria and his deep ties to the region.

Final Farewell: Nigeria Bids Goodbye to a Stoic Statesman

The former president’s death on July 13 and subsequent burial on July 16 marked the end of an era in Nigerian leadership. Buhari, who had long battled health issues, passed away in London surrounded by family. His remains were flown back to Nigeria and buried in a private ceremony in his hometown, Daura, Katsina State.

Dignitaries from across Africa, Europe, and the Middle East attended his funeral, underscoring Buhari’s stature as a statesman whose influence extended beyond Nigeria. Messages of condolence poured in from world leaders, former heads of state, and international organizations.

With the renaming of the University of Maiduguri, President Tinubu has etched Buhari’s name into the academic and national consciousness — a final gesture to a man remembered for his discipline, restraint, and service to the nation.