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Home Politics Tinubu Names 6 Public Institutions After Himself In Under 2 Years As President, What is Next?

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Tinubu Names 6 Public Institutions After Himself In Under 2 Years As President, What is Next?

Mayowa DurosinmiJanuary 26, 20253 Mins read353

Since assuming office in 2023, Nigeria’s 16th President, Bola Tinubu, has named six public institutions after himself.

On May 29, 2025, Tinubu will mark two years in office without significant economic or structural achievements.

Since his inauguration, Nigeria has faced a steep economic decline. Inflation has soared, unemployment has deepened, the cost of living has pushed thousands into severe hardship and hunger, and basic social infrastructures remain dilapidated and grossly ill-equipped.

Protests against the government’s policies and widespread discontent over governance have been met with state repression, yet Tinubu has focused on immortalising his name through public institutions.

Critics have described this trend of naming public institutions after himself as a “sycophantic culture“, which the President should stop.

Meanwhile, here are the six institutions named after Tinubu:

1. Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Airport, Minna

On March 11, 2024, the Governor of Niger State, Umar Bago, renamed the Abubakar Imam International Airport in Minna after Tinubu.

This decision was announced just months after the airport was renamed in honour of Abubakar Imam, a renowned Nigerian writer and journalist from the state.

The newly remodeled Minna Airport by Governor Umaru Bago will now be known as Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Airport, Minna. pic.twitter.com/N0MsNxuIbo

— Ayekooto (@DeeOneAyekooto) March 10, 2024

The decision to rename the airport came four days after a photo on social media showed Governor Bago kneeling and bowing to Tinubu. Before this, Bago had called Peter Obi, an opposition to the ruling APC, “Boss” and validated his stance that it was a national disgrace that Tinubu accepted grain donations from Ukraine, a nation torn in war.

Following public backlash, Bago explained that the airport renaming was “prompted by the desire to ensure a square peg is placed in a square hole, noting that naming the State Polytechnic Zungeru after the late literary icon, Abubakar Imam, was more appropriate.”

2. Bola Ahmed Tinubu Way, Abuja’s Southern Parkway (S8/S9)

On May 28, 2024, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, named the Abuja Southern Parkway (S8/S9) after Tinubu as part of projects to commemorate his first year in office. The road is from Christian Centre to Ring Road 1 on Nnamdi Azikiwe Way in the nation’s capital.

3. Senator Bola Tinubu Complex (NASS Library)

On May 29, 2024, Tinubu inaugurated the National Assembly Library and Resource Centre in Abuja. He named the centre after himself to mark the first anniversary of his administration.

Situated on Circular Road, the christened library is reported to house an advanced automating system, audiovisual technology, and a cost-effective cooling system, according to TheGuardian.

However, the monetary percentage of public funds spent on the Tinubu Library is not public knowledge as of when this report was filed.

4. Bola Ahmed Tinubu Technology Innovation Complex (BATTIC)

On December 11, 2024, the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) named the NIS Innovation Complex after Tinubu, christened as Bola Ahmed Tinubu Technology Innovation Complex (BATTIC).

The NIS Comptroller-General Kemi Nandap explained the self-aggrandisement, saying the decision serves as “a testament to the President’s support for the project and his efforts to drive reforms in the service.”

Bola Ahmed Tinubu Polytechnic, (Gwarinpa) Abuja

Tinubu approved the establishment of a Federal Polytechnic in Gwarinpa, one of the largest estates in the nation’s capital, Abuja, and named it after himself. The Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, conveyed the approval to FCT Minister Nyesome Wike via a letter dated January 16, 2025.

Bola Ahmed Tinubu Barracks

While the Bill to create a “Bola Ahmed Tinubu Federal University of Nigerian Languages” passed a first-reading stage at the House of Representatives in 2024, the creation of Bola Ahmed Tinubu Barracks came to shore on January 23, 2025, as the Nigerian Army celebrated the commissioning of a newly built barrack(s) in Asokoro, Abuja.

HAPPENING NOW

Commissioning of Newly Built Bola Ahmed Tinubu Barracks, Asokoro, Abuja pic.twitter.com/UIs00psCPW

— Nigerian Army (@HQNigerianArmy) January 23, 2025

According to TheCable report, the barracks comprise 16 major-general quarters, 34 brigadier-generals quarters, 60 major-colonel flats and 60 lieutenant-captain flats. It also includes 180 senior non-commissioned officer flats, 264 flats for personnel on the rank of corporal and below, worship centres, sports facilities and a powerhouse.

The naming of the barracks marks the latest show of self-aggrandisement by the President.

In reaction, Nigerians have taken to social media to criticise him. Many view the action as “self-serving, narcissistic, and indicative of an abuse of power”, especially when the country faces significant economic and security challenges. Critics argue this practice reflects a culture of sycophancy, which they deem highly inappropriate.

It raises questions about the use of public office for personal glorification, which might be at odds with democratic values, and the disregard for more pressing national issues, as the ‘President’ actively attempts to immortalise his name and legacy despite his well-documented link with drug (cocaine and heroin) trafficking.