President Tinubu Honors Late Buhari with Emotional Tribute and University Renaming

On Thursday, July 17, 2025, President Bola Tinubu delivered an emotional tribute to his predecessor, former President Muhammadu Buhari, during a special Federal Executive Council (FEC) session at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, convened to honor the late leader who passed away on July 13 in London at age 82. Describing Buhari as a patriot whose actions spoke louder than words, President Tinubu praised his humility, integrity, and unwavering commitment to Nigeria, noting his serene acceptance of death and his respectful demeanor toward peers and subordinates. He announced the renaming of the University of Maiduguri in Buhari’s honor, recognizing his contributions as a soldier, military head of state (1983–1985), petroleum minister, and civilian president (2015–2023). The session was attended by key figures, including Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Speaker of the House Tajudeen Abbas, Vice President Kashim Shettima, and governors like Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara, Senator Hope Uzodimma of Imo, and Dikko Radda of Katsina, though former First Lady Dr. Aisha Buhari was absent.

Tributes highlighted Buhari’s principled leadership, with Senator Akpabio calling him a “sentinel of Spartan simplicity” who prioritized duty over glory, and Speaker Abbas describing him as a mentor of moral clarity devoted to Nigeria’s progress. Vice President Shettima, speaking at Buhari’s third-day prayer in Daura, emphasized his sincere pursuit of justice, noting his global recognition as one of Africa’s greatest sons. Other speakers, including Head of Civil Service Dr. Didi Walson-Jack and ministers like Mr. Festus Keyamo, Senator Dave Umahi, and Hajia Imaan Suleiman-Ibrahim, echoed these sentiments. Mr. Yusuf Buhari, the late president’s son, expressed gratitude to President Tinubu and others for honoring his father. Chief Adesunbo Onitiri, coordinator of Lagos Prominent Indigenes, commended President Tinubu for orchestrating a befitting burial, reflecting the deep bond between the two leaders and fostering national unity, as Vice President Shettima and Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila accompanied Buhari’s remains from London to Daura for his burial on July 15.