President Bola Tinubu has approved the conversion of the completed Institute of Petroleum Studies in Kaduna into a full federal university, renaming it the General Shehu Musa Yar'Adua University of Geological Sciences and Engineering Technology.

The announcement was made during the President's nationwide Democracy Day broadcast on Friday, June 12, as part of activities marking Nigeria's 2026 Democracy Day celebration.

Tinubu said the decision was taken to recognise the late military leader's contributions to Nigeria's democratic journey and his long standing advocacy for national unity and political stability, describing him as one of the key figures who helped shape modern democratic ideals in the country.

"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," he stated.

The late General Shehu Musa Yar'Adua, elder brother of former President Umaru Musa Yar'Adua, was a prominent figure in the pro democracy movement and played a central role in the struggle for civilian governance during the Third Republic era, particularly around the events linked to the June 12, 1993 political transition.

The President also announced national honours for individuals who contributed to the pro democracy struggle, including Joe Okei Odumakin, Richard Akinnola, Ishola Williams and Arthur Nwankwo, among others. Posthumous recognitions were also confirmed for Dr Arthur Nwankwo and Ben Charles Obi, with the full honours list to be released in the coming days.

Tinubu reflected on Nigeria's democratic progress, noting that the country has sustained 27 years of uninterrupted civilian rule since 1999, describing it as the longest democratic period in the nation's history. He urged citizens to protect democratic institutions and honour the sacrifices of past advocates.

"The generation of our founding fathers secured independence, the generation of June 12 secured democracy. Our generation must secure prosperity," he said.