President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s decision to rename the University of Maiduguri in honour of the late former President Muhammadu Buhari has drawn commendation from political commentator Reno Omokri, who described the move as both symbolic and strategically meaningful.
The announcement was made during a special Federal Executive Council (FEC) session held at the State House in Abuja on Thursday, July 17, 2025 four days after Buhari’s death on July 13.
Omokri, writing via his X (formerly Twitter) handle, said the renaming of the institution to Muhammadu Buhari University demonstrates Tinubu’s loyalty to his predecessor and highlights the value of national service.
“I must commend President Bola Tinubu for renaming the University of Maiduguri after President Muhammadu Buhari,” Omokri stated. “Not only has President Tinubu shown that he is a loyal and worthy ally of General Buhari, but he has also demonstrated that service to Nigeria has its reward.”
He added that the gesture would inspire future Nigerian leaders to leave lasting legacies, knowing they too could be honoured posthumously.
Describing the choice of Maiduguri as “brilliant and strategic,” Omokri noted Buhari’s maternal Kanuri heritage, saying the move would resonate with people from the region and serve as a source of comfort during the period of national mourning.
“This will help soothe the feelings of loss felt by his kith and kin and make them understand that Nigeria appreciated what their son did in governance,” he wrote.
The renaming is part of broader national tributes in memory of the late president, including a state funeral in Daura, Katsina State, and a seven-day period of mourning declared by the Federal Government.
Buhari, who served as Nigeria’s Head of State from 1984 to 1985 and as a democratically elected president from 2015 to 2023, was widely known for his anti-corruption campaigns and efforts to promote national unity.
Omokri concluded his message with a blessing for the newly renamed institution and the country: “Long live the Muhammadu Buhari University, Maiduguri. Miyetti, Mr. President. May God bless him and may God bless Nigeria.”
