President Bola Tinubu has approved the revitalisation and renaming of the Institute of Petroleum Studies in Kaduna as the General Shehu Musa Yar’Adua University of Geological Sciences and Engineering Technology.
The announcement was made on Friday during the President’s Democracy Day address to the nation.
Tinubu said the decision was taken in recognition of the contributions of the late General Shehu Musa Yar’Adua to Nigeria’s democratic development and national unity.
He described Yar’Adua as one of the architects of modern democratic Nigeria whose vision helped shape the country’s political evolution.
According to the President, the institution, which has been completed, will focus on geological sciences and engineering technology, areas considered critical to Nigeria’s industrial and economic development.
Tinubu said the renaming forms part of efforts to preserve the legacies of individuals who played significant roles in strengthening democratic governance and national cohesion.
The President paid tribute to several pro-democracy figures who contributed to the June 12 struggle and other democratic movements in the country.
He noted that the sacrifices of activists, politicians, journalists and civil society leaders helped secure the democratic freedoms currently enjoyed by Nigerians.
Tinubu urged Nigerians to continue strengthening democratic institutions and building a nation where justice, accountability and opportunity remain accessible to all citizens.
He maintained that honouring historical figures such as Yar’Adua would help inspire future generations to contribute meaningfully to national development.
The President also emphasised the need for the current generation to focus on achieving economic prosperity, describing it as the next major challenge after securing political freedom and democratic governance.
