• Why Tinubu Renamed University of Maiduguri After Buhari
By Abiola Olawale
The breakdown of a comprehensive entitlement package for the family of the late immediate past President of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari, who passed away on July 13, 2025, has been unveiled.
This is also as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu announced the renaming of the University of Maiduguri in Buhari’s honor.
The New Diplomat gathered that the benefits were unveiled recently in Abuja.
While the President only announced the renaming of the University of Maiduguri as Muhammadu Buhari University, Maiduguri, payments of entitlement to families of late former Presidents are provided for in the Nigerian constitution and are consequently treated as statutory.
Checks by The New Diplomat show that the entitlements are under the provisions of the Remuneration of Former Presidents and Heads of State (and other Ancillary Matters) Act.
Buhari’s surviving spouse, Aisha Buhari, and their children would be entitled to these provisions provided they meet specific eligibility criteria, such as the spouse remaining unmarried and children being within educational age limits.
The benefits include:
1. Monthly Stipend for Life: Each eligible family member will receive N300,000 monthly to ensure financial stability.
2. Additional 13th Month Stipend: An annual payment of N250,000, disbursed quarterly, will support the family’s upkeep and the education of Buhari’s children up to university level.
3. Custom-Built Home: The Federal Government will construct a fully furnished five-bedroom house in any Nigerian town of the family’s choosing, providing a secure and comfortable residence.
4. Dedicated Security Detail: Four security personnel—two policemen and two plain clothes officers—will be assigned to protect the family’s home, ensuring their safety.
5. Annual Vacation: The family is entitled to a 30-day vacation each year, fully funded by the government, to any destination of their choice, within or outside Nigeria.
6. Yearly Medical Check-Ups: Comprehensive medical care, including annual check-ups in Nigeria or abroad, will be covered by the Federal Government to prioritize the family’s health.
The New Diplomat reports that in a symbolic gesture to immortalize Buhari’s contributions to Nigeria’s education and security sectors, President Tinubu announced the renaming of the University of Maiduguri ascMuhammadu Buhari University, Maiduguri.
Established in 1975, the institution has been a cornerstone of academic excellence in Nigeria. Recall that Buhari had served as first military Governor of the North East which comprise about six states as a today with Maiduguri as capital
