President Bola Tinubu has announced that the University of Maiduguri in Borno State will now be known as Muhammadu Buhari University, in honour of the late former President who died on Sunday, July 13, at the age of 82.
Tinubu made the declaration on Thursday during a special Federal Executive Council session held at the Aso Rock Villa, Abuja, in tribute to Buhari. “May we now adopt the University of Maiduguri as the Muhammadu Buhari University,” the President stated.
Paying homage to his predecessor, Tinubu described Buhari as a man of integrity, discipline, and deep patriotism. “President Buhari was not a perfect man, no leader is, but he was, in every sense of the word, a good man, a decent man, an honourable man,” he said.
He praised Buhari’s legacy of moral uprightness and dedication to public service, saying the late leader embodied quiet strength and simplicity, resisting the temptations of power and popularity. “His patriotism was lived more in action than in words,” Tinubu noted.
Recalling their political alliance, Tinubu reflected on their joint effort to end the long rule of the People’s Democratic Party in 2015, which led to Nigeria’s first peaceful transfer of power between parties.
“We stood together, he and I… and when he was sworn in, he led with restraint and governed with dignity,” Tinubu said.
The President also highlighted Buhari’s humility after leaving office, saying he returned to Daura without attempting to exert influence from behind the scenes. “Even in death, he maintained the serenity that defined him in life,” Tinubu added.
He expressed gratitude to the Inter-Ministerial Committee and Katsina State Governor, Dikko Radda, for organising Buhari’s state burial within 48 hours, describing it as a “profound honour” to lead the funeral procession in Daura.
Concluding his tribute, Tinubu said, “Mai Gaskiya, the People’s General, the Farmer President, your duty is done. May Almighty Allah forgive his shortcomings and grant him Aljannah Firdaus.
May his life continue to inspire generations of Nigerians to serve with courage, conviction, and selflessness. President Buhari, thank you. Nigeria will remember you.”