In a historic move to honor the legacy of Nigeria’s late former president, Muhammadu Buhari, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has officially renamed the University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID) to Muhammadu Buhari University, Maiduguri. The announcement was made on July 17, 2025, during a special Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting held at the Presidential Villa in Abuja. The session, which served as a tribute to Buhari, witnessed an emotional moment as Tinubu declared the renaming in recognition of the former leader’s service to the nation.
President Tinubu described Buhari as a “patriot who dedicated his life to the unity, security, and moral rebirth of Nigeria,” adding that naming a major educational institution in his honor was both “symbolic and deeply deserved.” The University of Maiduguri holds significant regional importance, being located in Borno State — a region central to Buhari’s administration’s anti-insurgency efforts and also home to his political roots.
The renaming was met with applause and broad support from members of the cabinet and northern leaders present at the meeting. While the announcement is now official, the implementation phase will involve updates to the institution’s charter, signage, certificates, and public communication, coordinated by the Federal Ministry of Education in the coming weeks. Students and staff are expected to be formally briefed on the changes before the next academic session.
This renaming marks a broader effort by the Tinubu administration to memorialize national figures who have played prominent roles in shaping Nigeria’s history. Muhammadu Buhari, who passed away on July 13, 2025, is remembered for his stance on anti-corruption, discipline, and national identity. The university renaming is seen as a permanent stamp of his legacy in the country’s academic and civic landscape.
