By Bayo Muhammad Alabira
Mohammadu Buhari was a Nigerian military general and politician who served as the country’s military ruler from 1983 to 1985 and later as democratically elected President from 2015 to 2023.
Buhari was born on December 17, 1942, in Daura, Katsina State, he rose through the ranks of the Nigerian Army, attending various military training institutions in Nigeria, the UK, India, and the US.
Early Life and Education:
Buhari was the 23rd child of his father, Mallam Ardo Adamu, a Fulani chieftain. After his father’s death when Buhari was four, his mother, Zulaihat, raised him.
Buhari attended local Qur’anic schools, Daura and Mai’Adua Primary Schools, and later Katsina Provincial Secondary School.
Buhari’s early education laid the foundation for his disciplined and austere lifestyle.
Military Career:
Buhari joined the Nigerian Military Training College in 1962 and was commissioned as a second lieutenant in January 1963.
He attended various military training institutions, including the Mons Officer Cadet School in the UK and the US Army War College. Buhari served in key positions, including,
Governor of North-Eastern State (1975-1976), Federal Commissioner for Petroleum and Natural Resources (1976-1978), Chairman of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), General Officer Commanding (GOC) the 3rd Armoured Division of Jos (1980 1983).
Military Rule :
Buhari seized power on December 31, 1983, in a bloodless coup, ousting the civilian government of President Shehu Shagari.
Buhari’s regime was marked by a strict approach to governance, with a focus on anti-corruption and discipline.
Buhari’s policies earned him both admiration and criticism. He was overthrown in a palace coup on August 27, 1985, led by General Ibrahim Babangida.
Democratic Presidency (2015-2023):
After several failed attempts, Buhari won the presidency in 2015, defeating incumbent President Goodluck Jonathan. He was re-elected in 2019. As president, Buhari focused on.
Anti-Corruption Drive:
Strengthening the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and recovering looted funds.
Economic Reforms:
Implementing policies to boost economic growth and reduce dependence on oil
Security:
Tackling the Boko Haram insurgency and other security challenges.
Legacy
Buhari’s legacy is complex, with both supporters and critics acknowledging his commitment to anti-corruption and discipline.
His governance style has been described as austere and rigid, with some criticizing his approach to human rights and economic management.
Despite these challenges, Buhari remains a significant figure in Nigerian history, known for his unwavering commitment to public service and national development.
Buhari passed away on July 13, 2025, at the age of 82, in a London clinic, leaving behind a wife, Aisha Buhari, and children. His death marks the end of an era in Nigerian politics, but his impact on the country’s history and development will be remembered for generations to come.
Major Achievements of President Mohammadu Buhari (2015-2023). Infrastructure Development.
Roads and Bridges:
Buhari completed the Second Niger Bridge, Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, and Bodo-Bonny Road & Bridges; ongoing projects include Abuja-Kano Road and Kano-Maiduguri Expressway.
Railway:
Buhari completed Abuja-Kaduna Railway (2016), Itakpe-Warri Railway (2020), and Lagos-Ibadan Railway (2021); ongoing projects include Kano-Daura Maradi Railway and Port Harcourt-Maiduguri Railway.
Aviation:
Buhari initiated new terminals at Abuja, Lagos, Kano, and Port Harcourt airports; new runways in Abuja, Lagos, Kano, and Enugu
Energy and Power
Power Plants:
700MW Zungeru Hydroelectric Power Plant, 50MW Maiduguri Emergency Power Project, 30MW Gurara Hydropower Project, and 40MW Kashimbila Hydropower Project.
Renewable Energy:
Katsina Wind Farm upgrade and Solar Hybrid Mini-Grids in various locations were successfully executed.
Agriculture and Social Programs.
Buhari initiated Anchor Borrowers Program: Disbursed over N800 billion to 4 million smallholder farmers, increasing food production and reducing imports.
Buhari initiated Social Investment Programs: Npower, School Feeding Program, TraderMoni, Farmers Moni, and MarketMoni, benefiting millions of Nigerians.
Security and Defence:
He initiated and enforced counter-Insurgency, Successfully conducted operations against Boko Haram and other terrorist groups.
Maritime Security:
Buhari commissioned the “Deep Blue” Maritime Security Project, including 17 Special Mission Vessels, 2 Special Mission Aircraft, and 3 Helicopters.
National Counter Terrorism Centre:
Buhari operationalized with a pioneer Coordinator and a new complex
Economic Reforms
Ease of Doing Business: Buhari Implemented reforms to reduce time and cost of starting and running a business.
Digital Economy:
Buhari launched National Broadband Plan, Digital Identity Infrastructure, and Nigeria Startup Bill.
Infrastructure Financing: the late President introduced Presidential Infrastructure Development Fund (PIDF) and secured billions in infrastructure funding from China and other partners.
Education and Healthcare
Education:
He also established new Universities, Federal Colleges of Education, and implemented reforms to improve education quality.
Healthcare:
Late Buhari commissioned new hospitals, revitalized primary healthcare centers, and launched the Basic Health Care Provision Fund.
