₦airaland Forum

President Bola Tinubu has announced the renaming of the Institute of Petroleum Studies in Kaduna to the General Shehu Musa Yar’Adua University of Geological Sciences and Engineering Technology.

The President made the announcement on Friday during his 2026 Democracy Day nationwide broadcast.

Tinubu said the decision was taken to honour the late General Shehu Musa Yar’Adua for his contributions to Nigeria’s development and democratic journey.

The institution, formerly known as the Institute of Petroleum Studies, Kaduna, will now operate under its new name as a specialised university focused on geological sciences and engineering technology.

The president described Yar’Adua as one of the key figures who helped shape Nigeria’s modern democracy.

“Every generation has a defining responsibility. The generation of our founding fathers secured independence—the generation of June 12 secured democracy. Our generation must secure prosperity,” he said.

“Let us move forward together—rejecting division, cynicism, and despair; embracing unity, hope, and confidence. Let us build a Nigeria united by a common purpose, strengthened by diversity, where justice is accessible, liberty is secure, and opportunity is abundant.

“Among the architects of modern democratic Nigeria, we honour general Shehu Musa Yar’Adua for his vision of national partnership.

“In recognition of his contributions, the federal government has approved the revitalisation and renaming of the completed Institute of Petroleum Studies, Kaduna, as the General Shehu Musa Yar’Adua University of Geological Sciences and Engineering Technology.”

Yar’Adua was a prominent Nigerian military officer who served as chief of staff of the Supreme Headquarters (de facto vice-president) between 1976 and 1979 under Olusegun Obasanjo, then head of state.

He played a key role in overseeing Nigeria’s first voluntary transition from military rule to a democratically elected civilian government.


After retiring from the military, Yar’Adua established the People’s Democratic Movement (PDM), which became a major force in Nigeria’s political landscape.

An outspoken critic of Sani Abacha’s military regime, he was arrested on charges of treasonable felony and died in prison in 1997 under controversial circumstances.

Africana1123:
The north is the only region enjoying this Tinubu government

AMINDA:
True. This is another massive achievement by the Tinubu government. But have you noticed that Tinubu has not named anything after MKO Abiola despite running on his June 12 sentiments? His first June 12th as president, he seized the opportunity to unveil the world's largest portrait, which was a portrait of himself. He didn't even mention Abiola all through and is still yet to do so. He has rather made it about NADECO.

AMINDA:
True. This is another massive achievement by the Tinubu government. But have you noticed that Tinubu has not named anything after MKO Abiola despite running on his June 12 sentiments? His first June 12th as president, he seized the opportunity to unveil the world's largest portrait, which was a portrait of himself. He didn't even mention Abiola all through and is still yet to do so. He has rather made it about NADECO.

Ofunaofu:
This seems to be the only achievements of Tinubu.

Renaming of institutions and awarding national honours to cronies

Svoboda:
Tinubu wants an illusionary cult followership. Everything has to be about him. Even Obasanjo, in his flamboyance, didn't dwell in this idealism of commissioning monuments named after him when in office.

It's not enough that MKO never became the president that Tinubu is today. It's enough that MKOs illustrious history is consigned to the past, with no reference to his legacy and struggle.

But Tinubu can never be a Buhari, nor an MKO. He lacks the presence and charisma. So much for an Omoluabi.

SixSeven:
I think that June 12 will soon be pushed back one APC leaves. Ask why? Because they used it more for propaganda than the actual cause and people can now see what it is for.

Opposition figures, such as those in the People's Democratic Party (PDP), argue that the APC acts hypocritically by celebrating the "freest and fairest" election of June 12, 1993, while simultaneously engaging in modern electoral manipulation, suppression, and voting irregularities. They have also accused current APC leadership of distorting June 12 history to paint themselves as progressives, masking what they view as a descent into institutional impunity and a corrupted system.

westside365:
Wait, let's be realistic, how does changing names make life better for Nigerians? Is that even a topic to be discussed? When there are more pressing demands on ground. What is wrong with you people?

Africana1123:
The north is the only region enjoying this Tinubu government

AMINDA:
I don't understand you. Are you saying that renaming buildings in the North after Shehu Yar'adua is not a massive achievement that the North should be grateful for? There has been wild jubilation across the North ever since the announcement.

Manny21:
Because of 2027 election to woo the North?

westside365:
Wait, let's be realistic, how does changing names make life better for Nigerians? Is that even a topic to be discussed? When there are more pressing demands on ground. What is wrong with you people?

AMINDA:
I don't understand you. Are you saying that renaming buildings in the North after Shehu Yar'adua is not a massive achievement that the North should be grateful for? There has been wild jubilation across the North ever since the announcement.

westside365:
Wait, let's be realistic, how does changing names make life better for Nigerians? Is that even a topic to be discussed? When there are more pressing demands on ground. What is wrong with you people?

Africana1123:
The north is the only region enjoying this Tinubu government

AMINDA:
True. This is another massive achievement by the Tinubu government. But have you noticed that Tinubu has not named anything after MKO Abiola despite running on his June 12 sentiments? His first June 12th as president, he seized the opportunity to unveil the world's largest portrait, which was a portrait of himself. He didn't even mention Abiola all through and is still yet to do so. He has rather made it about NADECO.