The Federal Ministry of Education has explained that the renaming of the University of Maiduguri to Muhammadu Buhari University of Maiduguri is in recognition of the late former president’s enduring contributions to education and national development.

In a statement issued Friday by the Ministry's Director of Press, Folasade Boriowo, the ministry said the decision was approved by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu during a special Federal Executive Council session held in honour of the late leader.

“The Honourable Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Olatunji Alausa, on behalf of the entire Nigerian education sector, expresses deep appreciation to President Tinubu for the statesmanlike decision to immortalise President Muhammadu Buhari through the renaming of the University of Maiduguri,” the statement read.

President Tinubu, in his tribute during the session, highlighted Buhari’s legacy in areas such as national security, institutional reform, economic recovery, anti-corruption, and human capital development. Top government officials, including the Senate President, Speaker of the House of Representatives, ministers, governors, and federal service chiefs, paid their respects during the occasion. Yusuf Buhari, son of the late president, spoke on behalf of the Buhari family.

The Education Ministry emphasized that the renaming is a symbolic act that reflects Buhari’s impact on the nation’s education landscape, citing key policies from his administration such as the Anchor Borrowers’ Programme, Treasury Single Account (TSA), the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP), and social investment initiatives.

Dr. Alausa described the gesture as a testament to President Tinubu’s commitment to education as the foundation for national renewal and development. “This decision reflects not only deep respect but also a firm belief in the transformative power of education,” the ministry concluded.