Tinubu Renames University of Maiduguri After Late President Buhari; Yusuf Buhari Moved to Tears

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has officially renamed the University of Maiduguri in honor of his late predecessor, Muhammadu Buhari, during a special Federal Executive Council (FEC) session held Thursday in Abuja. 

The solemn event was organized to pay tribute to the late former President, who passed away last Sunday and was laid to rest in his hometown of Daura, Katsina State, on Tuesday. 

Leading the session, President Tinubu praised Buhari’s legacy and character, describing him as “a soldier in war, a citizen in peace, and a man of humility and integrity in private life.” 

Tinubu highlighted Buhari’s calm demeanor in crisis, modesty in triumph, and unwavering commitment to national service and moral values. 

“President Buhari was not a perfect man—no leader is—but he was a good man, a decent man, and an honourable man,” Tinubu said. “His legacy may be debated, but his incorruptible character and integrity will never be forgotten.” 

The emotional moment came when Buhari’s only son, Yusuf Buhari, visibly moved and tearful, expressed gratitude on behalf of the family, flanked by his three sisters. 

Several top government officials and dignitaries delivered moving tributes: 

Senate President Godswill Akpabio called Buhari “a man forged in battle and refined through governance” who consistently chose honor over headlines. 

House of Representatives Speaker Tajudeen Abbas described Buhari as “a sentinel of service and simplicity,” who lived a life shaped by sacrifice and duty. 

Other notable tributes came from: 

Didi Watson-Jack, Head of Civil Service of the Federation 

Festus Keyamo, Minister of Aviation David Umahi, Minister of Works 

Atiku Bagudu, Minister of Budget and Economic Planning 

Imaan Suleiman, Minister of Women Affairs 

Ali Pate, Minister of Health 

AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, Governor of Kwara State 

The renaming of the university is seen as a lasting tribute to Buhari’s influence in Nigerian public life, especially in the North-East, where the University of Maiduguri stands as a major symbol of education and resilience.