President Bola Tinubu has approved the revitalisation and renaming of the Institute of Petroleum Studies in Kaduna to honour the late General Shehu Musa Yar'Adua. The institution is now the General Shehu Musa Yar'Adua University of Geological Sciences and Engineering Technology.
Democracy Day Announcement
Tinubu made the announcement during his nationwide broadcast on June 12, 2026, marking Democracy Day. He described Yar'Adua as a key architect of modern democratic Nigeria.
Honouring a Democratic Icon
General Shehu Musa Yar'Adua served as Chief of Staff, Supreme Headquarters (de facto Vice President) from 1976 to 1979 under General Olusegun Obasanjo. He later became a pro-democracy activist, supporting the June 12, 1993, election. He died in detention in December 1997 under General Sani Abacha's regime.
Boosting Engineering Education
The upgraded university will provide advanced training in engineering, mineralogy, and geological sciences. It aims to address skill gaps in Nigeria's solid minerals, energy, and construction sectors, attracting investment and infrastructure to Kaduna State.
The Federal Ministry of Education will release further details on curriculum, structure, and admissions in coming weeks.
