…UNIMAID Renamed Muhammadu Buhari University
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Thursday evening led a special session of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) in honour of the late former President Muhammadu Buhari, describing him as a man of uncommon discipline, austere honour, and enduring patriotism.
The session, which was held at the Council Chambers of the Presidential Villa, Abuja, began at exactly 5:00 p.m., as ministers and top government officials gathered to pay their respects to the late elder statesman, who passed away earlier in the week.
In a moving tribute, President Tinubu eulogised Buhari’s character and leadership, saying the late president governed with dignity, carried the burdens of leadership without complaint, and never sought personal gain from public office.
“Today, we gather under a heavy shadow, drawn from the silence that surrounds a departed leader and the immense weight of a life whose absence will be felt for generations. We meet to honour a man whose presence once commanded this very room, whose voice once summoned the best in us, and whose convictions never bowed, even to the strongest winds of public opinion,” Tinubu began.
Describing Buhari as “first among soldiers in war, first among citizens in peace,” the President hailed his humility, sincerity, and integrity, noting that even in death, he retained the serenity that defined his life.
“Even in death, he maintained the serenity that defined him in life: not a sigh, not a groan, just a quiet submission to the will of God. Such was the man Nigeria has lost. Such was the man for whom our nation now mourns,” he said.
President Tinubu highlighted Buhari’s legacy of service from the battlefield to public administration and later as a democratically elected President.
“His life traced the arc of Nigeria’s journey. Born before independence, he became a young soldier in the struggle to keep our nation whole… he governed the North-Eastern State and stood as Head of State. Years later, he returned to chair the Petroleum Trust Fund, which he administered with Spartan rigour and complete fidelity to the public good,” he said.
Speaking further, the President recalled their political journey together, which led to Nigeria’s historic democratic transition in 2015.
“We stood together, he and I… we formed an alliance that enabled Nigeria to experience its first true democratic transfer of power from one ruling party to another. When he was sworn in as our party’s first elected President, he led with restraint, governed with dignity, and bore the burdens of leadership without complaint,” Tinubu stated.
The President noted that Buhari never allowed power to corrupt his values and that his modesty and resilience stood him out.
“When his tenure ended, he returned to Daura; not to command from the shadows or to hold court, but to live as he always had, never seeking to impose his will but content to let others carry the nation forward,” he added.
Reflecting on Buhari’s death and final burial, Tinubu said it was an honour to lead his funeral procession to Daura and thanked the Inter-Ministerial Committee, led by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, and Governor Dikko Radda of Katsina State, for organising a befitting state burial within 48 hours.
In his words: “On Tuesday, July 15, 2025, a grateful nation bid farewell to one of her most illustrious sons. It was a profound honour for me, alongside Vice President Kashim Shettima, to lead his funeral procession to Daura and witness his burial in the dignified manner befitting a great and noble leader.”
In a major announcement during the session, President Tinubu declared that the University of Maiduguri will now be known as Muhammadu Buhari University, in honour of the late leader’s lifelong service and contributions to national development.
“I thank the Inter-Ministerial Committee… and Governor Dikko Radda, for organising a befitting State Funeral within 48 hours,” he reiterated.
He also extended heartfelt condolences to the former First Lady, Hajia Aisha Buhari, their children, the entire Buhari family, and the people of Katsina State.
“In this period of national mourning, I once again extend my heartfelt condolences to Hajia Aisha Buhari, her children, the entire Buhari family, the government and people of Katsina State, and all who knew and loved him,” Tinubu said.
The President concluded with a solemn prayer for the repose of Buhari’s soul: “May Almighty Allah forgive his shortcomings and grant him Aljannah Firdaus. May his life continue to inspire generations of Nigerians to serve with courage, conviction, and selflessness.”
President Tinubu signed off his tribute with a final salute: “Mai Gaskiya, The People’s General, the Farmer President — your duty is done… President Buhari, thank you. Nigeria will remember you.”
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