The Federal Ministry of Education has explained that the decision to rename the University of Maiduguri in honour of the late former President Muhammadu Buhari was based on his enduring commitment to education and national development.
This was disclosed in a statement issued on Friday by the Director of Press at the Ministry, Folasade Boriowo.
According to the statement, President Bola Tinubu approved the renaming during a special session of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) convened to pay tribute to the late leader. The university will now be known as Muhammadu Buhari University of Maiduguri.
President Tinubu, while addressing the FEC, described Buhari as a statesman whose administration prioritized national security, economic recovery, institutional reforms, and anti-corruption. He highlighted Buhari’s legacy as one rooted in public service, patriotism, and commitment to nation-building.
In a formal statement, the Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Olatunji Alausa, expressed the ministry’s deep appreciation to President Tinubu for the gesture, calling it a significant honour not only to the late President but also to the education sector as a whole.
“The Federal Ministry of Education and the entire Nigerian education community express profound gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his statesmanlike decision to immortalise the late President Muhammadu Buhari by renaming the University of Maiduguri after him,” Dr. Alausa said.
The statement also noted that several high-ranking officials—including the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio; Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas; governors, ministers, and heads of federal agencies—joined in paying tribute to Buhari during the FEC session. The late President’s son, Yusuf Buhari, delivered a heartfelt response on behalf of the family.
The ministry emphasized that the renaming serves as a symbolic recognition of Buhari’s contributions to human capital development through initiatives such as the Anchor Borrowers’ Programme, Treasury Single Account (TSA), the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP), and various social investment programs.
“This symbolic gesture not only honours a legacy of integrity and reform but also reflects President Tinubu’s belief in education as the foundation of sustainable development,” the statement read.
The ministry reaffirmed its commitment to promoting the values of service, excellence, and national progress exemplified by both the late President Buhari and President Tinubu, while continuing to champion education as a catalyst for nation-building.
