The Federal Ministry of Education has clarified that the decision to rename the University of Maiduguri after former President Muhammadu Buhari was in recognition of his unwavering commitment to education and national development.
This was disclosed on Friday in a statement by the Ministry’s Director of Press, Folasade Boriowo.
According to the statement, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu approved the renaming during a special session of the Federal Executive Council held in honour of the late former president. During the session, President Tinubu praised Buhari as a statesman whose administration focused on national security, economic recovery, institutional reform, and anti-corruption.
Speaking on the renaming, the Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Olatunji Alausa (CON), expressed gratitude on behalf of the Ministry and Nigeria’s education sector. He described the decision as a “statesmanlike gesture” that permanently honors Buhari’s legacy.
“This announcement was made during a special session of the expanded Federal Executive Council convened by President Tinubu to celebrate the life and service of the late President Muhammadu Buhari,” the statement read. “The President delivered a heartfelt tribute, highlighting Buhari’s impact on governance, particularly in areas such as security, anti-corruption, and economic reforms.”
The session featured tributes from key national figures, including Senate President Godswill Akpabio, House Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, governors, ministers, and heads of federal agencies. Yusuf Buhari, the son of the late president, delivered a response on behalf of the family.
The Ministry of Education noted that the renaming was not only a tribute to Buhari’s service but also symbolic of his contributions to human capital development through initiatives like the Anchor Borrowers’ Programme, the Treasury Single Account, the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP), and several social investment programmes.
Dr. Alausa emphasized that the renaming also reflects President Tinubu’s continued belief in education as a key driver of national development.
“President Tinubu’s decision reflects deep empathy and a commitment to education as the foundation of national progress,” the Minister said. “This symbolic act reinforces our dedication to the values of service, integrity, and excellence that both President Buhari and President Tinubu represent.”
The Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining educational reforms and development in line with the vision of both leaders.