In no fewer than two years in government, President Bola Tinubu’s name has donned no fewer than 9 edifices and public institutions, in acclaimed recognition of his exceptional leadership; igniting cynicism from opposition forces.
The alarming trend began in March 2024 when the Niger State government decided to rename the Abubakar Imam International Airport in Minna as Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Airport, sparking protests, particularly among residents of Rafi Local Government Area, the home of the late Abubakar Imam Kagara. The renaming was quite controversial as the airport had only been named after Abubakar Imam in June 2023 in recognition of his contributions to northern Nigeria’s literary, political and educational landscape. In later months, there were:
2. Bola Ahmed Tinubu Barracks
In January, 2025, the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, at the official inauguration of Barracks project allegedly initiated by his predecessor declared the resolve of the Nigerian Army to rename the new Army barracks after President Tinubu, bandying it as a way of ‘giving honour to whom honour is due’.
The barracks named “Bola Ahmed Tinubu Barracks”, Asokoro Abuja, comprise 16 major generals’ quarters, 34 brigadier generals’ quarters, 60 major colonels’ flats and 60 lieutenant captains’ flats.
It also includes 180 senior non-commissioned officers blocks of flats, 264 corporal and below flats, worship centres, sports facilities and a power house in the barracks. Meanwhile, it is a known fact that President Tinubu who had never been a player in the Nigeria Army despite being the Grand Commander in Chief of the Nigerian Army, has scanty records of direct contributions to warfare.
The naming conventions for military barracks was updated after the review committee’s work, which led to several barracks being renamed after prominent Nigerian military figures, including Yakubu Gowon, Sani Abacha, Aguiyi Ironsi, Ibrahim Babangida, and Olusegun Obasanjo. The change was seen as an effort to honour and solidify the legacy of the country’s military leadership and to further instill a sense of patriotism.
3. Bola Ahmed Tinubu Technology Innovation Complex (BATTIC), Abuja
The Nigeria Immigration Service, under the Ministry of Interior, disclosed its resolve to rename its newly built centre after President Tinubu some six months ago at an event physically witnessed by the president. While the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, commended President Tinubu for his fatherly support, inspiration, visionary leadership, and encouragement, he revealed his full support as the impetus for the completion of the project, which was started by the present administration and delivered within the one-year time frame.
4. The Bola Tinubu Building
In May 2024, the National Assembly Library and Resource Centre was inaugurated and named the Bola Tinubu Building, in alleged recognition of his leadership attributes.
5. Bola Tinubu Polytechnic, Abuja
The establishment of a Polytechnic in the name of President Bola Tinubu at the FCT was approved In the same month of January. Tunji Alausa, the minister of education, confirmed it in a letter addressed to Nyesom Wike, the FCT minister, on January 9.
Alausa said establishing the institution is part of the ministry’s plan to ensure every state has a federal polytechnic.
The minister said the project aligns with the government’s policy to promote technological and vocational training.
6. Bola Ahmed Tinubu Federal University of Nigerian Languages in Aba, Abia State
Aside from the mentioned institutions, there is also a proposed Bola Ahmed Tinubu Federal University of Nigerian Languages in Aba, Abia State. A bill for its establishment was introduced in the House of Representatives in October 2024, aimed at advancing higher education in Nigerian languages and cultures.
Others are:
7. Bola Ahmed Tinubu Way, Abuja and the erstwhile International Conference Centre (ICC), which is now (8) Bola Tinubu International Conference Centre.
Meanwhile, the Sokoto Statw Governor, Dr. Ahmed Aliyu, is reported to have also renamed a Road after the President’s son, Seyi Tinubu. The road reads, “Seyi Bola Ahmed Tinubu Road.”
