Following the death of former Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari at the age of 82, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has announced that the University of Maiduguri will be renamed Muhammadu Buhari University, Maiduguri, in a move aimed at immortalizing the late leader’s legacy. The announcement was made on Thursday during a solemn special session of the Federal Executive Council (FEC), where President Tinubu delivered a deeply reflective and emotional tribute to Buhari, describing him as a man of exceptional discipline, unshakable integrity, and patriotic devotion.

In his eulogy, President Tinubu acknowledged Buhari’s humanity, noting that while no leader is without flaws, Buhari distinguished himself through moral clarity, honourable conduct, and principled leadership. The chamber, filled with cabinet members, high-ranking government officials, and presidential aides, observed a respectful silence as Tinubu painted a picture of a man who consistently prioritized right over popularity, and nation over personal gain.

Tinubu praised Buhari’s austere style of governance, highlighting his resistance to the trappings of power and his refusal to be swayed by public applause or political convenience. According to the president, Buhari’s approach to leadership was grounded in restraint, justice, and quiet but resolute strength—a moral compass that guided his decisions and set a benchmark for integrity in Nigerian public life.

Recounting their political alliance, Tinubu reflected on their historic collaboration—which brought together diverse political and regional interests—and ultimately led to Nigeria’s first peaceful transfer of power from one ruling party to another in 2015. He described Buhari’s conduct during that period as measured and statesmanlike, portraying him as a leader who bore the weight of office with humility and grace.

While recognising that all legacies face scrutiny, President Tinubu emphasized that Buhari’s legacy should be remembered for the incorruptible standards he maintained. He stated that Buhari’s patriotism was most evident in his actions, not in self-praise, and that his commitment to public service was marked by personal sacrifice and principled silence.

The FEC session concluded with prayers and a minute of silence in honour of the late former president, whose passing has prompted a flood of tributes from across the nation. From government officials to civil society actors and ordinary citizens, many Nigerians are reflecting on the life and contributions of a man who remained committed to national progress, particularly in times of adversity.

By renaming the University of Maiduguri after Buhari, President Tinubu has not only paid a symbolic tribute but also offered a strategic reminder of Buhari’s deep connection to the Northeast—a region where his government invested heavily in combating insurgency and rebuilding devastated communities. The newly renamed Muhammadu Buhari University stands as a testament to that legacy, rooted in a place that both tested and defined much of Buhari’s administration.

In concluding his address, Tinubu affirmed that Buhari’s legacy would continue to serve as a moral guide for future generations of leaders. “The incorruptible standard he represented,” he reiterated, “will not be forgotten.”