Tinubu renames Kaduna Petroleum Institute after Shehu Musa Yar’Adua
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 address.
Tinubu described the late Shehu Musa Yar’Adua as one of the major architects of Nigeria’s democratic evolution.
“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 distinguished military officer who served as chief of staff, Supreme Headquarters — effectively Nigeria’s vice-president — from 1976 to 1979 during the administration of former Head of State Olusegun Obasanjo.
He played a significant role in managing Nigeria’s first peaceful transition from military rule to an elected civilian government.
Following his retirement from the military, Yar’Adua founded the People’s Democratic Movement (PDM), which later emerged as a major political force in the country.
A vocal opponent of the military government led by Sani Abacha, Yar’Adua was arrested on allegations of treasonable felony and died in prison in 1997 under circumstances that remain controversial.