Former presidential aide and socio-political commentator, Reno Omokri, has applauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the renaming of the University of Maiduguri after the late President Muhammadu Buhari, describing the move as a bold recognition of public service and national loyalty.
In a statement released on Thursday, Omokri praised President Tinubu for what he termed “a demonstration of true statesmanship,” saying the gesture would serve as a source of encouragement to future Nigerian leaders.
“I must commend President Bola Tinubu for renaming the University of Maiduguri after President Muhammadu Buhari,” Omokri said. “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 stated that immortalizing the late former president by naming a major federal institution in his honour sends a powerful message that national service and leadership are not forgotten.
“By this act, any future President of Nigeria will be spurred on to leave behind the best legacy possible, so that when they leave that office—and this world—a grateful nation can reward and remember them,” he noted.
Omokri also lauded the strategic choice of Maiduguri in Borno State as the location of the renamed university, highlighting its deep personal connection to Buhari’s heritage.
“The choice of Borno is brilliant and strategic, as the late President’s mother was Kanuri and hailed from that axis. 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 said.
Concluding his statement, Omokri offered prayers for the nation and expressed heartfelt appreciation for President Tinubu’s gesture.
“Long live the Muhammadu Buhari University, Maiduguri. Miyetti, Mr. President. May God bless President Tinubu for this act, and may God bless Nigeria.”
The renaming of the institution is one of several posthumous honours conferred on the late President Buhari, who died recently at the age of 83 in London.
