Tinubu immortalises Buhari with UNIMAID renaming amid FEC glowing tributes
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has announced the renaming of the University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID) after late former President Muhammadu Buhari, in a bold move to immortalise the former Nigerian leader. The announcement came during an extraordinary session of the Federal Executive Council (FEC), held in Abuja on Friday.
The meeting, described as “emotionally charged,” featured glowing tributes from cabinet members, who praised Buhari’s “legacy of leadership, discipline, and patriotism.” Ministers took turns reflecting on Buhari’s influence on national policy and governance, with many citing his commitment to infrastructure and anti-corruption reforms — though not without noting public controversies that surrounded his time in office.
President Tinubu said the renaming was a gesture to “honour a man who gave his all in service to Nigeria.” He described Buhari as “a symbol of integrity and resilience,” adding that his contributions to Nigeria, especially in the North-East region, deserved to be remembered.
“UNIMAID is a beacon of knowledge and resilience in the region. Renaming it after President Buhari is symbolic of his commitment to education, national security, and unity,” Tinubu stated.
The announcement has sparked mixed reactions across the country. While some Nigerians applauded the gesture, calling it a fitting tribute to a man who ruled Nigeria twice — first as military head of state and later as a democratically elected president — others questioned the decision, citing unmet promises and the economic hardship experienced during Buhari’s second tenure.
Meanwhile, the university management has acknowledged the renaming and said it awaits further directives from the Ministry of Education on the implementation of the change.
This development comes days after Buhari’s state burial was announced, with President Tinubu constituting a committee to oversee the arrangements. The former president passed away at the age of 82 in Daura, Katsina State, after a protracted illness.
As tributes continue to pour in from both local and international dignitaries, the renaming of UNIMAID now officially etches Buhari’s name into the academic and national consciousness of Nigeria.