President Bola Tinubu has approved the renaming of the University of Maiduguri in Borno State as Muhammadu Buhari University, in honour of the late former President, who died on Sunday, July 13, at the age of 82.
“May we now adopt the University of Maiduguri as the Muhammadu Buhari University,” Tinubu declared at the close of a special session of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) held on Thursday at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, in memory of the late leader.
The President delivered a heartfelt tribute to Buhari, describing him as “a good man, a decent man, an honourable man” whose legacy of discipline, patriotism, and moral integrity would endure for generations.
“President Buhari was not a perfect man—no leader is—but he was, in every sense, a good man, a decent man, an honourable man,” Tinubu said. “His record will be debated, as all legacies are, but the character he brought to public life, the moral force he carried, and the incorruptible standard he represented will not be forgotten.”
Tinubu praised Buhari’s lifelong commitment to public service, both in military and civilian capacities, and his quiet strength in the face of political pressures.
“He stood, always, ramrod straight—unmoved by the temptations of power, unseduced by applause, and unafraid of the loneliness that often visits those who choose what is right over what is popular,” Tinubu noted. “His was a quiet courage, a righteousness that never announced itself. His patriotism was demonstrated more in action than in words.”
Reflecting on their political alliance, Tinubu recalled their historic partnership that led to the 2015 general elections, marking Nigeria’s first democratic transition from one ruling party to another.
“We stood together—he and I—alongside others from across political divides, regions, and ethnic lines to form an alliance that enabled Nigeria to experience its first true democratic transfer of power,” Tinubu said. “When he was sworn in as our party’s first elected President, he led with restraint, governed with dignity, and bore the burdens of leadership without complaint.”
The President also lauded Buhari’s post-office humility, noting that he returned to his hometown, Daura, without seeking to exert influence or control behind the scenes.
“When his tenure ended, he returned to Daura—not to command from the shadows or to hold court—but to live as he always had, never imposing his will, content to let others lead,” Tinubu said. “Even in death, he remained serene: no sigh, no groan, just quiet submission to the will of God. That was the man Nigeria has lost.”
Tinubu expressed appreciation to the Inter-Ministerial Committee and Katsina State Governor, Dikko Radda, for organizing a state funeral within 48 hours, describing it as a “profound honour” to lead the burial procession in Daura.
He concluded his tribute with a prayer and final farewell “Mai Gaskiya. The People’s General. The Farmer President. Your duty is done. May Almighty Allah forgive your shortcomings and grant you Aljannah Firdaus. May your life continue to inspire generations of Nigerians to serve with courage, conviction, and selflessness. President Buhari, thank you. Nigeria will remember you.”
