Tinubu Renames Kaduna Petroleum Institute to Honor Shehu Yar'Adua

President Bola Tinubu renamed the Institute of Petroleum Studies in Kaduna as the General Shehu Musa Yar’Adua University of Geological Sciences and Engineering Technology. The change was announced during his 2026 Democracy Day address on Friday, where he honored the late General Shehu Musa Yar’Adua for his contribution to Nigeria’s democratic journey.

Speaking on the broadcast, Tinubu said, “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 urged Nigerians to work together to build a united country, adding, “Let us move forward together, rejecting division, cynicism, and despair; embracing unity, hope, and confidence.”

Tinubu described Yar’Adua as one of the architects of modern democratic Nigeria and said the renaming was a recognition of his contributions to national development and democratic governance. “Among the architects of modern democratic Nigeria, we honour General Shehu Musa Yar’Adua for his vision of national partnership,” the president said.

Yar’Adua served as Chief of Staff to the Supreme Headquarters under former military leader Olusegun Obasanjo between 1976 and 1979 and played a major role in Nigeria’s transition from military rule to civilian government.

After leaving the military, he founded the People’s Democratic Movement (PDM), which became influential in Nigerian politics. He later opposed the military government of Sani Abacha, was arrested on treason-related charges, and died in prison in 1997.