Tinubu names Kaduna petroleum institute after Shehu Yar’Adua

President Bola Tinubu has approved the renaming of the completed Institute of Petroleum Studies in Kaduna after late military officer and pro-democracy advocate, General Shehu Musa Yar’Adua.

The President announced the decision on Friday during his 2026 Democracy Day address, describing Yar’Adua as one of the architects of modern democratic Nigeria whose contributions to national unity and democratic development continue to inspire the country.

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

“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,” the President said.

The announcement formed part of activities marking Nigeria’s 2026 Democracy Day celebration and came as Tinubu paid tribute to prominent figures who played key roles in the country’s democratic journey.

The President listed Yar’Adua among the heroes and heroines whose sacrifices helped secure the democratic freedoms Nigerians enjoy today. He noted that the June 12 struggle and the efforts of pro-democracy activists laid the foundation for the country’s current democratic dispensation.

General Shehu Musa Yar’Adua, who died in prison in 1997 during the military era, was widely regarded as a leading advocate for democratic governance and national inclusion. Through the Peoples Front political movement and later political engagements, he mentored many politicians and championed a vision of national consensus and political participation.

Tinubu said the renaming of the institution was intended to preserve Yar’Adua’s legacy and recognise his enduring contributions to nation-building.

The President also used the occasion to reaffirm his administration’s commitment to strengthening democratic institutions, promoting economic reforms and ensuring that the dividends of democracy reach ordinary Nigerians.

He urged citizens to remain united in pursuit of national development, saying the current generation has a responsibility to build on the sacrifices of past heroes by securing prosperity for future generations.

“The generation of our founding fathers secured independence, the generation of June 12 secured democracy. Our generation must secure prosperity,” Mr Tinubu said.