President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Thursday led a special session of the Federal Executive Council in Abuja to honour the late former President Muhammadu Buhari, who passed away on July 13. In the presence of Buhari’s children and other dignitaries, President Tinubu announced that the University of Maiduguri would now be known as Muhammadu Buhari University, in recognition of the late leader’s legacy of patriotism, discipline and integrity.

During the solemn event, Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Bagudu, read a letter written by Buhari in 2022 to APC governors, urging strong support for Tinubu’s presidential bid. This letter reaffirmed Buhari’s full endorsement of Tinubu, countering claims of indifference.

President Tinubu, in his tribute, described Buhari as a leader whose convictions shaped a generation and whose absence will be deeply felt. He praised the former President’s incorruptible character, calm courage, and unwavering commitment to national unity.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, Minister of Solid Minerals Dele Alake, and others also gave heartfelt tributes, highlighting Buhari’s simplicity, service, and moral clarity.

Yusuf Buhari, son of the late President, expressed the family’s gratitude to President Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, and the Nigerian people for the respect and honour shown to their father, stating that his father was remembered not just as a leader, but as a father figure to the nation.