Education Ministry Justifies Naming University of Maiduguri After Buhari
The Federal Ministry of Education has said the decision to rename the University of Maiduguri after the late former President Muhammadu Buhari was a tribute to his unwavering commitment to education and national development.
This was disclosed on Friday in a statement signed by Folasade Boriowo, Director of Press at the ministry. According to the statement, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu approved the renaming during a special session of the expanded Federal Executive Council (FEC) convened to honour the legacy of the late Nigerian leader.
The university, located in Borno State, will now be known as Muhammadu Buhari University of Maiduguri.
President Tinubu, while opening the FEC session, delivered a moving tribute chronicling Buhari’s life of service, with particular emphasis on his administration’s focus on national security, institutional reforms, economic recovery, and anti-corruption.
The tribute session was attended by top government officials including Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas, state governors, federal ministers, and other dignitaries.
Responding on behalf of the Buhari family, the late president’s son, Yusuf Buhari, expressed appreciation for the gesture and thanked the nation for honouring his father’s legacy.
Speaking further, the Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Olatunji Alausa, CON, expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for what he described as a “statesmanlike decision to immortalise the late President Muhammadu Buhari.” He said the gesture reflects President Tinubu’s belief in education as a cornerstone of national renewal and sustainable development.
“The Ministry of Education is deeply honoured that the education sector has been chosen as the medium through which the legacy of the late President will be permanently enshrined,” the statement read in part.
Dr. Alausa highlighted several of Buhari’s contributions to human capital development during his presidency, including the Anchor Borrowers’ Programme, Treasury Single Account (TSA), Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP), and a range of social investment programmes.
The ministry described the renaming as more than ceremonial, calling it a symbolic move that acknowledges Buhari’s impact in laying the foundation for future national transformation.
“The Ministry reiterates its commitment to upholding the values of service, integrity, and excellence that both late President Muhammadu Buhari and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu exemplify,” the statement concluded.
