Tinubu Presides Over FEC Special Session To Honour Buhari, Renames University Of Maiduguri After Him
Thursday July 17, 2025
By TheNewsDESK |
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Thursday, July 17, led a special session of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) in honour of the late former President Muhammadu Buhari, describing him as a leader whose integrity and patriotism defined his decades-long public service.
In a significant gesture to honour the legacy of Buhari, President Tinubu announced that the University of Maiduguri in Borno State will be renamed Muhammadu Buhari University.
Speaking at the State House in Abuja, President Tinubu reflected on Buhari’s career as a soldier, administrator, and two-term civilian president. He praised the late leader for what he called “a life lived in full service to Nigeria and in fidelity to God.”
Buhari died earlier this week at the age of 82, prompting a period of national mourning and a state funeral in his hometown of Daura, Katsina State. The funeral took place on Tuesday, July 15, with President Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima in attendance.
Tinubu noted Buhari’s commitment to national duty, citing his roles as military governor of the North-Eastern State, Head of State, and later chairman of the Petroleum Trust Fund. According to Tinubu, Buhari’s most enduring legacy was as a democratic leader who helped facilitate Nigeria’s first transfer of power from one ruling party to another.
The president recounted their political alliance, which led to Buhari’s election in 2015 under the All Progressives Congress (APC). “When many had lost hope that change was possible, Muhammadu Buhari put his faith in the people,” he said.
He described Buhari as a leader who remained modest and resolute in office, and who returned to private life after his tenure without interfering in national affairs. “He did not seek to command from the shadows,” Tinubu remarked.
While acknowledging that Buhari, like all leaders, was not without flaws, Tinubu said the former president embodied discipline, moral conviction, and incorruptibility.
The president extended his condolences to Buhari’s widow, Hajia Aisha Buhari, their children, the government and people of Katsina State, and others affected by the loss.
Tinubu also commended the Inter-Ministerial Committee led by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, and Katsina State Governor, Dikko Radda, for organising the state funeral within 48 hours.
“We honour his service, reflect on his legacy, and pray for the peaceful repose of his soul,” Tinubu said.
President Buhari, who ruled Nigeria both as a military and civilian leader, will be remembered, Tinubu concluded, for his commitment to justice, discipline, and the unity of the nation.
