President Bola Tinubu on Thursday renamed the University of Maiduguri, UNIMAID, Borno, after the late former President Muhammadu Buhari.

The institution will now be called Muhammadu Buhari University, Maiduguri.

Mr Tinubu announced this during a special session of the Federal Executive Council, FEC, in Abuja.

The session was held in honour of the late leader and attended by National Assembly leaders, government officials, and Buhari’s family.

Mr Tinubu praised Buhari’s legacy of discipline, patriotism, and integrity, describing his life as one of quiet courage and service to the nation.

“Today, we gather beneath a solemn shadow, mourning a leader whose absence will echo across generations.

“We meet to honour one who once led this chamber, whose convictions never wavered, even when challenged by fierce public opinion,” Mr Tinubu said.

The President called Buhari a “patriot, soldier, and elder statesman” who dedicated himself to Nigeria’s unity and progress.

“Buhari lived with austere honour—untempted by power, unswayed by applause, and unafraid of solitude in doing what was right.

“He embodied quiet courage, his righteousness unspoken but ever present.

“His patriotism was practical, not performative — his life charted Nigeria’s history,” Mr Tinubu stated.

Reflecting on Buhari’s military years, Tinubu called him a brave soldier who defended Nigeria’s unity.

He applauded Buhari’s democratic contributions, saying he trusted the people and governed with integrity.

“When elected as our party’s first President, he led with dignity and bore leadership’s weight without complaint,” he said.

Mr Tinubu said those closest to Buhari knew power never altered his character.

Even in crisis, he remained calm; in triumph, he was modest; and in pressure, he was firm.

He urged Nigerians to uphold Buhari’s virtues: humility in power, discipline in duty, and compassion in leadership.

Mr Tinubu appreciated the Inter-Ministerial Committee led by SGF George Akume and Gov. Dikko Radda for arranging the funeral swiftly.

Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, praised Buhari’s honourable and principled leadership.

“As a minister under him, I saw Buhari in his rawest form. He was never flamboyant. His voice was steady. His steps were thoughtful.

“Though calm in appearance, he was a staunch patriot — unyielding and selfless when duty called,” Mr Akpabio said.

House Speaker, Tajudeen Abass, called Buhari a mentor, moral compass, and guiding light for national leadership.

Yusuf Buhari, son of the late leader, thanked President Tinubu and Nigerians for their support and a dignified farewell.

He expressed gratitude for the national solidarity and requested continued prayers for his father’s eternal peace.

Ministers also delivered tributes, commending Buhari’s impact, character, and enduring legacy in national leadership.

NAN