President Bola Tinubu has announced the renaming of the University of Maiduguri to “Muhammadu Buhari University” in a powerful move to immortalise the late former President, whom he described as “Mai Gaskiya, the People’s General.”
At a solemn session of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) held in Abuja on Thursday, Tinubu described Buhari as a man whose patriotism was lived more in actions than in words, saying the decision to rename the university was a reflection of Buhari’s impact on national development, especially in the North-East.
“He was a soldier in war, a statesman in peace, and a servant in democracy. His presence will be missed for generations,” Tinubu said.
The Council Chambers at the Presidential Villa fell into a respectful silence as Tinubu recounted Buhari’s leadership, humility, and incorruptible service.
The President described Buhari’s post-office retreat to Daura as the ultimate example of humble leadership, saying, “He never tried to command from the shadows. He chose a quiet life over influence.”
The session also featured tributes from top officials including Senate President Godswill Akpabio, who praised Buhari’s “Spartan simplicity”, and Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, who called him “a moral compass in a time of materialism.”
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The Nigerian Governors’ Forum joined the homage, saying Buhari’s life was “woven into the very fabric of the nation.”
Tinubu said the rechristening of the institution was a symbol of gratitude and national respect for a man whose life embodied discipline, honesty, and devotion to Nigeria.
“His patriotism lived more in action than in words,” the president declared.
Tinubu’s speech painted Buhari as a quiet leader with “a righteousness that never announced itself”, praising his resistance to corruption and his ability to remain untouched by the seduction of power.
The renaming of the university was welcomed by stakeholders across the political spectrum. Senate President Godswill Akpabio remembered Buhari as “a sentinel of simplicity”, while Minister Festus Keyamo called him “a moral compass in governance.”
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The Nigerian Governors’ Forum, led by Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman Abdulrazaaq, hailed the gesture as “symbolic and unifying”, and a recognition of Buhari’s over 50 years of public service.
Other speakers at the event included Minister of Works David Umahi, Minister of Solid Minerals Dele Alake, and the Head of the Civil Service, Dr. Didi Walson Jack.
Meanwhile, Yusuf Buhari, son of the late ex-president, in a brief speech at the FEC meeting , expressed gratitude to Tinubu and Nigerians for the overwhelming love and honour shown his family.
