The federal government has shed light on the recent decision to rename the University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID) in honour of former President Muhammadu Buhari, citing his unwavering commitment to educational development in Nigeria.
Folasade Boriowo, director of press at the Ministry of Education, disclosed in a statement on Friday when she said that the University of Maiduguri was named after Buhari, the late former president, as a result of his unwavering commitment to education.
Boriowo, in the statement, emphasised that renaming UNIMAID after the former president reflects recognition of Buhari’s substantial contributions to expanding access to education and strengthening academic institutions across the country during his eight years in office.
President Bola Tinubu approved the renaming of UNIMAID during a special session of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) convened to pay tribute to the late president.
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In his opening remarks at the meeting, President Tinubu started the session with a moving tribute chronicling the life and service of Muhammadu Buhari, particularly highlighting his commitment to national security, institutional reform, economic recovery, and anti-corruption efforts.
President Tinubu described the former president as a statesman whose administration prioritised national security, economic recovery, institutional reform, and anti-corruption.
Some dignitaries at the expanded Federal Executive Council meeting to honour the legacy of the late President Muhammadu Buhari include Godswill Akpabio, the Senate president; Tajudeen Abba, Speaker of the House of Representatives; governors, ministers, and heads of service of the federation.
Olatunji Alausa, the Minister of Education, on behalf of the Federal Ministry of Education and the entire Nigerian education sector, extended appreciation to President Tinubu for his statesmanlike decision to immortalise the late President Muhammadu Buhari through the renaming of the University of Maiduguri, Borno State, as Muhammadu Buhari University of Maiduguri.
The education minister described the renaming of the university as a symbolic gesture that acknowledges Buhari’s legacy, especially his administration’s efforts in human capital development through initiatives such as the Anchor Borrowers’ Programme, the Treasury Single Account, the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan, and various social investment schemes.
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“The Ministry of Education is deeply honoured that the sector has been chosen as the channel through which the late President’s legacy will be permanently enshrined.
“President Tinubu’s decision reflects not only deep empathy and respect but also a firm belief in education as the bedrock of national development. His commitment to human capital development is unwavering and consistent with the path of national renewal that President Buhari championed,” Alausa said.
In addition, the minister of education said, “This symbolic gesture underscores the administration’s recognition of education as a cornerstone for sustainable development and national identity.
“The Ministry reiterates its commitment to upholding the values of service, integrity, and excellence that both late President Muhammadu Buhari and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu exemplify.”
