JUST IN: Yar’Adua family reacts as Tinubu renames institute after Shehu Yar’Adua

The Yar’Adua family has expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu following the renaming of the Institute of Petroleum Studies, Kaduna, after the late Shehu Musa Yar’Adua.

Tinubu recently approved the renaming of the institution as the General Shehu Musa Yar’Adua University of Geological Sciences and Engineering Technology.

Reacting to the development on Friday, Senator Abdulaziz Yar’Adua, brother to the late military officer and politician, described the decision as a significant recognition of the late general’s contributions to Nigeria’s democratic evolution.

His words: “I receive with profound gratitude the announcement by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, approving the renaming of the Institute of Petroleum Studies, Kaduna, as the General Shehu Musa Yar’Adua University of Geological Sciences and Engineering Technology.

“This gesture by the administration is more than a name on a building. It is a national recognition of my late brother, General Shehu Musa Yar’Adua, and the role he played in Nigeria’s democratic journey.”

Yar’Adua described his late brother as a soldier, statesman and democrat who believed in service, merit and strong institutions.

“As a soldier, statesman, and democrat, he believed in institutions, in service, and in a Nigeria where merit and courage matter more than tribe or background.

“By naming this University after him, Mr. President has ensured that future generations of geologists, engineers, and technologists will be reminded daily that leadership is about sacrifice, vision, and commitment to nation-building.

“On behalf of the Yar’Adua family and the people of Katsina Central, I thank President Tinubu and the Federal Government for this honour,” he said.

He also expressed hope that the university would contribute to Nigeria’s development by producing skilled professionals for the energy sector.

“May this institution live up to its new name by producing graduates who will power Nigeria’s energy future and defend the values of democracy that General Shehu stood for,” he stated.