by Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna
In a spirit of euphoria, Nigeria’s President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the establishment of a new university in Kaduna State, to be named in honour of the late General Shehu Musa Yar’Adua.
The institution, formerly known as the Institute of Petroleum Studies, will now be called the ‘General Shehu Musa Yar’Adua University of Geological Sciences and Engineering Technology.’
The President announced the decision during his 2026 Democracy Day address on June 12, 2026.
He described the late Yar’Adua as one of the key figures, who contributed to Nigeria’s democratic development and national unity.
“General Shehu Musa Yar’Adua was a patriot, a democrat, and a statesman whose sacrifices laid part of the foundation for the democratic governance we enjoy today,” Tinubu said, also paying tribute to former Chief of Staff, Supreme Headquarters, who died in 1997.
As part of the Democracy Day commemorations, President Tinubu also paid tribute to other pro-democracy activists and announced national honours for several individuals, who played important roles in Nigeria’s democratic struggle.
The President said the recognitions were aimed at celebrating the courage and resilience of Nigerians who fought for the restoration of democracy.
He urged Nigerians to remain united and committed to strengthening democracy and building a prosperous nation.
“Here, Nigerians will remain united and committed to strengthening democracy and building a prosperous nation,” he stated.
The newly-renamed General Shehu Musa Yar’Adua University of Geological Sciences and Engineering Technology is expected to focus on training in geology, petroleum studies, and engineering technology.
The conversion of the Institute of Petroleum Studies into a full-fledged university is expected to expand access to specialized tertiary education in Kaduna State and strengthen Nigeria’s capacity in energy and geosciences.
Details on funding, commencement of academic activities, and appointment of a pioneer management of the university, are expected to be released by the Federal Ministry of Education in the coming weeks.