Education Ministry Defends Renaming Of UNIMAID

As reactions continue to trail the renaming of the University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID) to Muhammadu Buhari University, the Federal Ministry of Education has come out in defence of the decision.

Recall that President Bola Tinubu, on Thursday, renamed the university in honour of the late former President Buhari’s legacy and contributions to Nigeria’s development, particularly in the areas of education and national security.

In a press release signed by the ministry’s Director Press and Public Relations, Boriowo Folasade, on Thursday, the Ministry expressed profound appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for immortalizing the late President through the renaming of the university.

The Minister of Education, Dr. Olatunji Alausa, stated that the decision reflects President Tinubu’s deep empathy and respect for the late former president’s legacy, as well as his commitment to education as the bedrock of national development.

“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,” the minister said.

According to the ministry, President Buhari’s administration was marked by notable reforms in national security, anti-corruption, infrastructure, agriculture, and human capital development, which significantly contributed to national progress.

The ministry noted that the renaming of the university is a symbolic gesture that underscores the administration’s recognition of education as a cornerstone for sustainable development and national identity.

Alausa reiterated the Ministry’s commitment to upholding the values of service, integrity, and excellence that both late President Muhammadu Buhari and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu exemplify.

Part of the statement said, “The Honourable Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Olatunji Alausa CON on behalf of the Federal Ministry of Education and the entire Nigerian education sector, extends profound appreciation to His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, 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.

“This announcement was made during a special session of the expanded Federal Executive Council (FEC) convened today by President Tinubu to honour the legacy of the late President Muhammadu Buhari. The President opened the session with a moving tribute chronicling the life and service of the late statesman, particularly highlighting his commitment to national security, institutional reform, economic recovery, and anti-corruption efforts.

“Distinguished national leaders, including the Senate President, H.E. Godswill Akpabio; Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas; Governors, Ministers, and Heads of Service of Federation paid heartfelt tributes. In a solemn response, Yusuf Buhari, son of the late President, spoke on behalf of the Buhari family.

“The President’s federal executive council memo, seeking to honour and recognise the enduring impact of President Buhari’s leadership, culminated in the Council’s approval to rename the institution in his memory.

“President Buhari’s administration (2015–2023) was marked by notable reforms in national security, anti-corruption, infrastructure, agriculture, and human capital development — including the Anchor Borrowers’ Programme, TSA, ERGP, and social investment schemes — which significantly contributed to national progress.”

Education Ministry Defends Renaming Of UNIMAID is first published on The Whistler Newspaper