By Obike Ukoh
The renaming of educational institutions after prominent politicians, especially after their death, is becoming a tradition in Nigeria.

Indeed, almost all the frontline politicians of the First Republic have tertiary institutions named after them, either by the Federal Government or state governments.

All the premiers of the defunct Western Region, Chief Obafemi Awolowo and Chief Samuel Ladoke Akintola, all have universities named after them.

The University of Ife, which was later renamed Obafemi Awolowo University, was built by the Western Region Government.

In the old Eastern Region, the Nnamdi Azikikwe University, Awka and Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, were named after Nnamdi Azikiwe and Michael Okpara, respectively.

Indeed, the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, would have been named after Nnamdi Azikiwe, but during his lifetime, he made it clear, he did not want the university to be named after him.

In the defunct Northern Region, the two political heavyweights from the area, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, then Prime Minister and Ahmadu Bello, then Premier of the Northern Region all have universities named after them.

Today, public universities named after prominent politicians dot all parts of the country.

Ironically, these institutions are not named after anybody on commencement of academic studies, but are renamed after many years, as a way of immortalizing the deceased.

The latest of this tradition was the renaming of the University of Maiduguri (UniMaid), which was established in 1975, but commenced academic programmes in October 1976.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu announced the renaming at a Special Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting, held in late President Muhammadu Buhari on July 17.

The renaming, however, did not go down well with some stakeholders of the university.

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), UniMaid Chapter, did not hide their disapproval of President Bola Tinubu’s action, to rename the institution after the late former President Muhammadu Buhari.

In a statement signed by its Chairman, Dr. Abubakar Mshelia Saidu, the union described the decision as “politically motivated and a brazen affront to the university’s legacy, history, and academic integrity.

“This action is not merely shocking; it desecrates the sanctity of our alma mater.”

The UniMaid ASUU chapter, lamented that, it is regrettable that the renaming is coming at a time “the university prepares to mark its 50th anniversary under the widely respected ‘UniMaid’ identity.’’

According to ASUU, the decision amounts to sacrificing the institution’s hard-earned reputation for political patronage.

The union stressed that “public outrage is mounting, and ASUU’s response would be unequivocal, forceful, and commanding.”

The union also called for collective resistance, emphasizing that it will respond intellectually and factually, and urged members and the public to contribute views ahead of upcoming deliberations.

“We must articulate our adamant opposition and demand the immediate reversal of this ill-conceived and deeply offensive decision,” ASUU declared.

Also, alumni, students and other concerned indigenes of Borno State are opposed to the renaming.

In fact, the groups opposing the decision, have generated a petition in which about 9,000 signatories were allegedly garnered within 48 hours.

The petitioners stressed the need to reverse the decision and preserve the university’s original name, which they describe as a “symbol of resilience, academic excellence, and cultural heritage.”

In the petition, stakeholders emphasized that the University of Maiduguri has stood as a beacon of hope and intellectual advancement, especially during times of insecurity in the North-East.

They argued that the name “UniMaid” carries emotional significance and has earned a strong reputation locally and internationally.

“This institution is not just a university, it is a monument to survival, peace-building, and excellence. Changing its name risks erasing decades of identity and pride,” the petition stated.

The stakeholders noted that the institution, established over four decades ago, has produced thousands of leaders, academics, diplomats, and professionals who proudly associate with the UniMaid name. They insist that this identity should be preserved and protected.

They said that they have great respect for the legacies of the late President, but listed institutions that can deservedly be renamed after him.

According to them, the institutions are more closely linked to his personal history and background.

They are: Federal University of Transportation, Daura, located in Buhari’s hometown in Katsina State; Nigerian Army University, Biu, reflecting Buhari’s background as a former military officer, among others.

The stakeholders said that acceptance of their suggestion would honour Buhari’s legacy without disrupting the historical and cultural significance of the University of Maiduguri.

They appealed to President Tinubu to uphold national unity and stakeholders’ consultation in matters of such emotional and historical weight.

“Preserving the name University of Maiduguri is not a political stance; it is a heartfelt plea for continuity and respect for the identity of a beloved institution.

“We believe a more fitting tribute to President Buhari can be achieved without sacrificing the legacy of UniMaid.”

The signatories expressed faith in President Tinubu’s leadership and urged him to demonstrate fairness and wisdom by reconsidering the renaming decision.

Also, one Dr Umar Ardo, who commented on the issue, wrote inter alia: “President Ahmed Tinubu’s decision to rename the University of Maiduguri Muhammadu Buhari University, in honour of the late former President Muhammadu Buhari, has raised fundamental questions regarding its logic, appropriateness and historical justice.

“While the gesture may appear symbolic on the surface, a critical examination exposes its lack of intellectual, cultural and moral grounding.

First and foremost, Muhammadu Buhari was a career military officer and a politician, not an academic, educationist, or intellectual in any public sense.

His legacy, whether praised or criticized, is rooted in his military career, his ascension to the presidency and his distinct governing style marked by authoritarian tendencies and economic conservatism, among others.

Renaming a university, a citadel of learning, knowledge, research and intellectualism, after someone whose relationship with academia is at best peripheral, if not outright tenuous, dilutes the institution’s identity and purpose.

Universities are ideally named after figures whose lives and legacies exemplify educational values, critical thinking, nation-building through scholarship or transformative contributions to education policy.

“In this regard, Buhari’s record does not resonate with such ideals. The naming of the university after him is thus a clear mismatch between legacy and institutional identity.

Instructively, the University of Maiduguri is neither situated in Buhari’s home state of Katsina nor his geopolitical zone of the North-West. It is in Borno State, a region with its rich historical figures, political icons, and educational pioneers who could be more appropriately celebrated in a naming gesture.

Buhari did not attend, teach at, or found the University of Maiduguri. Nor did he demonstrate any special affinity or leave an indelible mark on the institution during his presidency.

“ In this light, the renaming appears arbitrary and lacking not only in cultural relevance to the host community, but also lacking in geographical and emotional relevance.

As the UniMaid renaming controversy rages on, commentators and analysts are quick to point out what played out when then President Goodluck Jonathan in 2012 announced the renaming of University of Lagos, after Chief MKO Abiola, the presumed winner of the June 12, 1993 Presidential Election.

Prominent politicians from the South-West, Abiola’s geo-political zone, were in the forefront to oppose the renaming.

Incidentally, incumbent President Bola Tinubu, then Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi, and other South-West top political players were among those who kicked against the renaming.

In a statement, Tinubu contended that though the President’s decision to rename the university after Abiola was welcome, it fell short of what was required.

He said: “We must congratulate the President for attempting to do it, but we say, do it right.

MKO was elected by the entire country, not just by the Yoruba. He was arrested and taken to Abuja. He was tried, incarcerated and eventually died in very controversial circumstances in Abuja under the custody of federal agents.

“Abiola’s mandate was a national mandate which he tried to reclaim. But we must be careful not to localise or sectionalise MKO.”

On his part, Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, an alumnus of UNILAG, described Jonathan’s action “as an opportunistic recognition of the late winner of the June 12, 1993 presidential election.”

Whatever may be the case, the University of Lagos and University of Maiduguri scenarios shared some similarities.

The critical stakeholders opposed the renaming. The Jonathan administration listened and reversed the decision. Renaming a 50-year-old institution is like organizing a naming ceremony for a man who already had children and grandchildren.

Obike Ukoh, ex-Deputy Editor-In-Chief, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)

London, July 23, 2025: Nigerians in South Africa have paid their last respect to the late President Muhammadu Buhari, describing him as a significant figure in Nigeria’s political history, whose leadership and service will be remembered for years to come.

The Nigerians, under the auspices of Nigeria Union South Africa (NUSA) disclosed in a statement by its President General, Mr Smart I Nwobi, on Wednesday, that a delegation of the union signed the condolence register opened at the Nigerian Consulate in Johannesburg.

Others in the delegation that signed the condolence register on Tuesday are the Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Mr Ekos Akpokabayen and the Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity to the President-General of NUSA, Mr George Omagbemi Sylvester.

“The leadership of NUSA, led by the President-General, Mr Smart I. Nwobi, a lawyer, visited the Nigerian Consulate in Johannesburg to pay their respects following the passing of former Nigerian President, Muhammadu Buhari.

“We the delegates signed the condolence register and expressed our heartfelt sympathies to the Nigerian government and people during this time of national mourning.

“In our message, we described the late President Buhari as a significant figure in Nigeria’s political history, whose leadership and service will be remembered for years to come.

“The visit by NUSA officials was a show of unity and respect, reflecting the commitment of Nigerians in the Diaspora to national matters and the importance of honoring leaders who have shaped the country’s journey,’’ the statement said. (End)

By Paul Ejime

Nigeria’s northern town of Daura witnessed an unusual crowd on Tuesday, 15 July 2025, as Nigerians and members of foreign delegations paid homage to former President Muhammadu Buhari, whose remains were interred according to Muslim rites in his hometown, two days after he died in a London Clinic at age 82.

The full military honours accorded the late Nigerian leader included a 21-gun salute, a farewell march and a graveside oration read by Nigerian Chief of Defence Staff Gen. Christopher Musa.

The state funeral ceremony was televised live as Nigerians observed a public holiday and a seven-day National mourning, declared by the government of Buhari’s successor, President Ahmed Bola Tinubu.
 
Tinubu, the chief mourner, travelled from Abuja, the nation’s capital, to personally receive Buhari’s body, which was flown from London earlier in the day to the Umaru Musa Ya’ardua Airport, Katsina, capital of the northern state of Katsina.
 
The casket bearing the body was draped in Nigeria’s green-white-green colours. It was brought in a Nigerian Air Force Jet, followed by a military farewell honour for the late army general, before it was transferred into an ambulance, which was accompanied by a motorcade on a one-hour drive to Daura for the Islamic rite of passage.
 
Grieving former First Lady Aisha Buhari accompanied her husband’s body from London to Katsina, surrounded by family members and current First Lady Oluremi Tinubu.
 
Amid tight security, the rowdy airport ceremony was attended by the crème de la crème in Nigeria (top serving and former government and military officials, as well as traditional and religious leaders). Also in attendance were Guinea Bissau President Umaru Sissoko Mbalo, and an official delegation from neighbouring Niger Republic, to which Buhari traced his ancestry.
 
In Daura, the body was moved to the town’s prayer ground for Muslim prayers before it was commissioned to Mother Earth at exactly 5.50 pm Nigerian time in the late president’s modest compound.

The dignitaries included Africa’s richest man, business mogul Alhaji Aliko Dangote, opposition leader Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, Buhari’s former deputy Yemi Osinbajo and current vice President Kashim Shettima, who led the government delegation to London for the repatriation of Buhari’s body.

Gen. Buhari first ruled Nigeria for 20 months from January 1984 to August 1985, as a military Head of State following the 31 December 1983 coup against the elected government of President Shehu Shagari. He was himself overthrown in another military coup by General Ibrahim Babangida on 27 August 1985, before he was elected President in 2015, following Nigeria’s return to civilian rule in 1999 after long spells of military rule.
 
Buhari was re-elected in 2019 and served until 2023, when he handed over to incumbent President Tinubu, as the first opposition leader in Nigeria, to defeat an incumbent in power. He and Tinubu belong to the same ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
 
A former military governor, who fought on the side of the Federal Government during Nigeria’s civil (Biafran) war (1967-70), Buhari’s demeanour as a man of integrity contributed to his election as president of Africa’s most populous nation in 2015 after three unsuccessful attempts.
 
He was not a typical politician. Reticent in character, he was named an African anti-corruption champion by the African Union in 2018.
 
However, his critics highlight his inability to tame or control corruption among officials in his government or his close associates, with the cankerworm eating much deeper into the national fabric during his eight-year tenure.
 
In a tribute to his late colleague, Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar, another former Nigerian military head of State (1998-1999), described Buhari as “a gentle man, very quiet, and exceptionally honest.”
 
“When he came in as a democratically elected President, he tried his best to fight corruption. Unfortunately, (some officials), who worked with him were found wanting. …with the passing away of Gen. Buhari, politics in Nigeria will certainly change, I hope for the better,” said Gen. Abubakar, who was himself recently discharged from the same London Clinic where Buhari died.
 
Buhari ran election campaigns on promises to improve national security, the economy, and fight corruption, but his administration is criticized for failing to provide solutions to these persistent problems.
 
As an army general, there was a high expectation that Buhari would end insecurity in Nigeria, especially violent extremism and the jihadist Boko Haram menace. Yet, Nigeria, whose soldiers have successfully served in peace-keeping missions across the world, still endures embarrassingly high casualties from intermittent attacks and kidnapping for ransom by bandits and various armed groups.
 
According to Security Expert, Kabir Adamu, some 17,000 people have been killed in insecurity-related incidents in Nigeria since the Tinubu government succeeded the Buhari administration two years ago.
 
Media reports said Buhari died from cancer of the blood (leukaemia). He exhibited symptoms of ill-health and old age, especially during his first four-year term, when he spent several months in London for medical treatment amid rumours of his death in 2017. His latest medical trip to London was in April.
 
Buhari is the second Nigerian leader to die after treatment in a foreign hospital in under 15 years, after then-sitting President Musa Ya’ardua died in office in May 2010. Both men hailed from the Northern state of Katsina.
 
Following in their footsteps, Nigeria’s current President Tinubu has also been travelling abroad for medical treatment, this time to France.
 
This trend is seen as an indictment of successive governments in the oil-rich country, which is notorious for a poor healthcare system that encourages senior government officials and the few who can afford medical tourism, which constitutes a drain on the scarce foreign exchange revenue.
 
Paul Ejime is a Media/Communications Specialist and Global Affairs Analyst

The Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC) is mourning the passing of the former President, Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, a distinguished leader who served as the committee’s Grand Patron across three separate tenures.

President Buhari’s patronage spanned his entire leadership of the nation, starting with his role as military Head of State from 1983 to 1985.

A condolence message released by the NOC’s Public Relations Officer, Tony Nezianya, on behalf of the committee expressed sympathy to the Federal Government and the people of Nigeria, as well as to President Buhari’s immediate family.

The NOC notes that President Buhari continued in this capacity during his two terms as the democratically elected President of Nigeria, from 2015 to 2019 and from 2019 to 2023.

The NOC fondly recalls his leadership during what it described as a “glorious era” for Nigerian sports. A key highlight was Nigeria’s historic victory at the inaugural FIFA Kodak U-16 World Cup in China in 1985.

As Head of State, Buhari promised the victorious team and their handlers houses to reward their monumental achievement.

In a remarkable display of integrity and commitment, this long-standing promise was fulfilled decades later during his civilian presidency, when the houses were finally redeemed and allocated to the deserving heroes.

In a tribute, the President of the NOC, Engr. Habu Ahmed Gumel, lauded President Buhari’s unwavering support for athletes.

He remarked, “President Buhari kept faith with destiny and never toyed with the desires of sportsmen and women, who brought laurels to the country. Challenges endured, and they received their dues during his lifetime.”

Engr. Gumel noted that this dedication is a “remarkable quality in leadership” and that President Buhari’s actions have “undoubtedly remained a motivating initiative for today’s athletes,” encouraging them to strive for excellence with the assurance that their efforts will be recognised and rewarded.

Gumel prays that Allah forgives President Buhari’s transgressions here on earth and may Allah also grant him Jannatul firdausi.

Abakaliki, Nigeria – Gov. Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi has expressed deep sorrow over the death of Former President Muhammadu Buhari, describing it as a monumental loss to Nigeria.

In a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Dr Monday Uzor, and made available to newsmen on Sunday, Nwifuru said Buhari was a towering figure in the nation’s annals.

The governor said that the former military head of state’s life was marked by discipline and selfless service to Nigeria.

“Buhari had an undistracted commitment to the unity and progress of the nation.

“This was shown from his first appearance on the national stage as Military Head of State in 1984 to his return as a democratically elected President in 2015.

“He consistently embodied integrity, courage, and simplicity; values that endeared him to millions of Nigerians.”

The governor said that Buhari was more than a national leader.to Ebonyi people as he was a developmental partner and friend.

“I commiserate with the government and people of Katsina and Federal Government on this colossal loss.

“The government and people of Ebonyi pray for the repose of Buhari’s soul.”

Buhari died on Sunday in a London hospital after a protracted illness..

The Federal Government on Monday declared Tuesday, July 15, a public holiday to honour the late former president, Muhammadu Buhari.

The holiday was announced as part of the seven days of national mourning earlier declared by President Bola Tinubu in honour of Buhari.

The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, in a statement released through the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Magdalene Ajani, made the announcement.

According to Tunji-Ojo, the holiday is a mark of respect for the late president’s service to the nation, his contributions to Nigeria’s democratic journey, and his enduring legacy in governance and national development.

The statement reads, “President Muhammadu Buhari served Nigeria with dedication, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to the unity and progress of our great nation. This public holiday provides an opportunity for all Nigerians to reflect on his life, leadership, and the values he upheld.”

He urged citizens to use the day to honour the late president’s memory by promoting peace, patriotism, and national cohesion, in line with his vision for a prosperous and united Nigeria.

It further stated, “As earlier announced, the national flags are to fly at half-mast for the seven-daymourning period from Sunday, 13th July, 2025.

“The Federal Government extends its deepest condolences to the family of the late president, the people of Katsina State, and all Nigerians, while praying for the peaceful repose of his soul.”

Former President, Muhammadu Buhari has been confirmed dead.

The confirmation was posted by his former aide, Bashir Ahmad, and his spokesperson, Garba Shehu.

Garba Shehu short statement reads:

“The family of the former president has announced the passing on of the former president, Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, this afternoon in a clinic in London.
May Allah accept him in Aljannatul Firdaus, Amin.”

In a similar development, President Bola Tinubu also announced the passing of his predecessor, President Muhammadu Buhari.

The President stated this in a statement on Sunday by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President,
Information and Strategy.

According to the statement the former President “died today in London at about 4.30 p.m., following a prolonged illness.”

It stated, “President Tinubu has spoken with Mrs Aishat Buhari, the former President’s widow and offered his deep condolences.

“President Tinubu has also ordered Vice President Kashim Shettima to proceed to the United Kingdom to accompany President Muhammadu Buhari’s body back to Nigeria.”

The former President was elected Nigeria’s President twice (2015 and 2019).

He also served as military head of state between January 1984 and August 1985.

“President Tinubu has ordered flags at half-staff as a mark of respect for the departed leader,” the statement added. FC

President Muhammadu Buhari has rejoiced with the media on the occasion of this year’s World Press Freedom Day, celebrated worldwide every May 3.

This year’s celebration marks 30 years since the UN General Assembly’s decision proclaiming an international day for press freedom, and the President says the landmark is a tribute to media professionals, who risk their lives to keep society informed and educated.

On this year’s theme, “Shaping a Future of Rights: Freedom of expression as a driver for all other human rights”, Buhari, in a statement expressed delight that the rights of Nigerian journalists have been protected and upheld in the past eight years.

“We have kept the faith. We have ensured that Nigerian journalists have had unfettered freedom to practice their art, and on this occasion of World Press Freedom Day, we recommit to that resolution, even as we wind down in office,” he said.

He, however, tasked media professionals to continue to be patriotic, work for the cohesion of the country, and exercise their freedom with a high deal of responsibility.

President Muhammadu Buhari has cast his vote at polling unit 003, Sarkin Yara A in Daura, Katsina State, with a call to electorate to vote for their preferred candidates even if politicians tried to offer them money.

The president, who briefly spoke to newsmen both in English and Hausa languages after casting his vote on Saturday, said his administration had been preaching against vote-buying and monetisation of politics, calling on politicians to desist from such acts.

“If they (politicians) still give you money, collect, but vote for your preferred candidates,” Buhari maintained.
He again thanked the electorate for trusting the All Progressive Congress (APC) in the Feb. 25 Presidential and National Assembly elections where the party’s candidate, Sen. Bola Tinubu, emerged winner.

The president, who cast his vote at about 9.55a.m, refused to ‘openly’ display his ballot paper as he did during the Feb. 25 Presidential election.

President Muhammadu Buhari has urged presidential candidates and others contesting the 2023 polls to accept the result of the exercise as may be announced by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Buhari, who spoke at the signing of the 2nd Peace Accord for the 2023 Presidential elections at the International Conference Centre, Abuja, on Wednesday, urged the contestants at all levels to respect the choice of voters.

“There should be no riots or acts of violence after the announcement of the election results. All grievances, personal or institutional, should be channeled to the relevant courts.

“Any aggrieved candidate should resort to the established judicial processes, and we must have the confidence to trust our legal systems.

”I once again ask the candidates to abide by the spirit and letter of the Accord they have signed today,” Buhari said.

Three frontrunners in the presidential race are Peter Obi (LP), Bola Tinubu (APC), and Atiku Abubakar (PDP).

”Let me remind all Nigerians not for the first time that this is the only country we have, and we must do everything to keep it safe, united and peaceful.”

He assured Nigerians that his administration will continue to do the utmost to deliver a free and fair election, adding: “Deep concerns have been raised about the conduct of the 2023 general elections and the outcomes they may throw up.

”Since my assumption of office, we have worked so hard to ensure that we pass on a legacy of free, fair, credible, safe, and peaceful elections.

”We will continue to act with neutrality and allow the rule of law to take precedence over political expediency.

”We have demonstrated that with the off-circle elections in Edo, Ondo, Anambra, Ekiti and Osun States. We allowed Nigerians to decide who should govern them. We are committed to that legacy in this administration.’’

Buhari assured INEC, security agencies and all relevant institutions saddled with responsibility of conducting the elections, of his administration’s continuous support.

He asked them to be firm and courageous, abiding by the laws and constitutional provisions in conducting the elections.

”We must constantly improve our electoral process using technology and all the positive elements it brings to consolidate the integrity of the elections.”

He thanked the Chairman and members of the National Peace Committee led by former Head of State, retired Gen.Abdulsalami Abubakar, for their commitment and sacrifices towards ensuring peaceful elections in Nigeria.

”I commend the Committee’s commitment and loyalty not only to the electoral process but to peace generally in Nigeria. The committee has made a name for itself, at home and abroad.

“The Federal Government will give the Peace Committee all the necessary support needed to make their work more impactful and successful.”

He called on all other agencies and the International Development Partners to give them all the support in facilitating peaceful elections in the country.

In his speech, Gen. Abubakar expressed concern about non-compliance by major political parties with the National Peace Accord signed in September 2022.

”44 per cent of the violations were carried out by the spokespersons of the political parties; 26 per cent by party members; 19 per cent by the presidential candidates themselves; 11 per cent by the hardcore supporters and 4 per cent by the Chairmen of the parties.”

According to him, since official campaigning on September 28, 2022, there have been 60 attacks recorded on political rallies, resulting in nine fatalities, with the highest numbers in the southwest and southeast and lowest in the northeast and north-central, according to data collated by the National Election Violence Tracker.

He, therefore, called on all political actors, key stakeholders and Nigerians to support a peaceful transition, promote the ideals of peace and a violent free post-election period.

‘‘I urge all politicians who will sign the accord to fully commit themselves to the letter and spirit of the Accord.”

INEC Chairman, Prof Mahmood Yakubu assured the nation that the presidential election will hold on Saturday, February 25, as scheduled, saying‘‘INEC is ready.’’

He said INEC had already commenced the movement of sensitive materials to the various local government areas nationwide.

”All political parties and candidates are hereby reassured of the commission’s neutrality. INEC is not a political party. We have no candidate in the election. Our allegiance is to the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and our loyalty is to Nigerians.

”Therefore, Nigerians should feel confident that their votes will count,” he said.