President Bola Tinubu has approved the renaming of the Institute of Petroleum Studies, Kaduna, as the General Shehu Musa Yar’Adua University of Geological Sciences and Engineering Technology.

President announced the approval in his national address to commemorate the 2026 Democracy Day.

Tinubu said the decision was in recognition of the contributions of the late General Shehu Musa Yar’Adua to Nigeria’s democratic development and national unity.

In his address, Tinubu described Yar’Adua as one of the architects of modern democratic Nigeria.

The President said, “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 renaming formed part of activities marking the 2026 Democracy Day.

Tinubu also conferred national awards on 51 eminent Nigerians, including media icons, pro-democracy activists and retired military officers who fought against military dictatorship during the historic June 12 struggle.

Among those honoured are Chief Ayo Opadokun, Chief Ralph Obioha and Dr Arthur Nwankwo(posthumous); media veterans Lade Bonuola, Femi Kusa, Sir Ademola Osinubi, and Dele Alake; alongside activists Dr Joe Okei-Odumakin, Richard Akinnola, and Prof. Sylvester Odion-Akhaine.