Tinubu renames Kaduna Institute after Yar’Adua

President Bola Tinubu has approved the renaming of the completed Institute of Petroleum Studies in Kaduna in honour of late pro-democracy figure, General Shehu Musa Yar’Adua.

The President announced the decision on Friday during his Democracy Day address to the nation.

According to Tinubu, the institution will now be known as the General Shehu Musa Yar’Adua University of Geological Sciences and Engineering Technology.

He said the move was in recognition of Yar’Adua’s contributions to Nigeria’s democratic development and his vision of national unity and partnership.

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

The President described the late military officer and politician as one of the key figures whose efforts helped shape the country’s democratic journey.

Yar’Adua, who died in detention in 1997 during the military era, was a leading advocate for democratic governance and played a prominent role in the struggle against military rule.

Tinubu said the renaming of the institution was part of efforts to preserve the legacy of individuals who made sacrifices for the advancement of democracy and national development.

The announcement formed part of activities marking Nigeria’s 2026 Democracy Day celebration, commemorating the June 12, 1993 presidential election and the struggle for the restoration of democratic rule in the country.