President Bola Tinubu has renamed the University of Maiduguri as Muhammadu Buhari University in honour of the late former President, who died on July 13, 2025, at the age of 82.
The renaming was announced Thursday evening during a special session of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) convened at the Presidential Villa in Abuja to pay tribute to the former Nigerian leader.
The commemorative session — the first of its kind since Tinubu assumed office in 2023 — drew top officials from across the three arms of government, including Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Speaker of the House of Representatives Abbas Tajudeen, Chief Justice of Nigeria Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, members of the late Buhari’s family, and several ministers.
According to the order of proceedings seen, tributes in Buhari’s honour were delivered in sequence by National Assembly leaders, top ministers, and his son, Yusuf Buhari, who led three of his siblings into the Council Chamber at about 5:15 p.m. The meeting formally commenced at 5:27 p.m. upon President Tinubu’s arrival.
Among those who delivered eulogies were Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo, Health Minister Muhammad Ali Pate, Budget Minister Abubakar Bagudu, Works Minister David Umahi, Solid Minerals Minister Dele Alake, and Women Affairs Minister Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim.
The solemn session follows three days of national mourning. Tinubu had earlier directed that flags fly at half-mast nationwide and postponed Tuesday’s cabinet tribute to allow officials attend Buhari’s burial in Daura, Katsina State, which took place on July 15 after his body was flown in from London.
In his earlier condolence message, President Tinubu described Buhari as “a patriot, a soldier and a statesman,” praising his life of service, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment to Nigeria’s unity and development.
Buhari passed away in a London hospital after a prolonged illness. His final rites included military honours and Islamic prayers observed in his hometown, where he was laid to rest in accordance with Muslim customs.
The renaming of the University of Maiduguri now places the institution in a short list of Nigerian universities named after former heads of state, solidifying Buhari’s legacy in the country’s educational and political history.
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