Who was Muhammadu Buhari?

Former Nigeria President Muhammadu Buhari.July,14,2025/Screengrab

Muhammadu Buhari is a Nigerian politician and former military general who served as the President of Nigeria from 2015 to 2023. Born on December 17, 1942, in Daura, Katsina State, Nigeria, Buhari rose to prominence through his military career.

A strong military influence marked Buhari's early life. He attended a Qur'anic school, where he assisted with cattle rearing, and later enrolled in Katsina Middle School, graduating in 1953.

He proceeded to Katsina Provincial Secondary School, now known as Government College, Katsina. Buhari's educational background laid the foundation for his future military career.

During his sixth form, he served as the house captain and head boy of the school. In 1960, he was awarded a scholarship by the Elder Dempster Lines for a summer visit to the United Kingdom.

Buhari wanted to pursue a medical degree to become a doctor; the only option at the time was to study pharmacology at the Nigerian College of Arts, Science, and Technology in Zaria, which would take him many years. He was advised by Mamman Daura to join the Nigerian military and pursue higher education there

Buhari joined the Nigerian Military Training College in 1962 and furthered his training at Mons Officer Cadet School in the United Kingdom.

 In February 1964, NMTC was upgraded to an officer commissioning unit of the Nigerian Army and was renamed the Nigerian Defence Academy.

He rose through the ranks, becoming a brigade major and later serving as the Director of Transport and Supply at the Nigerian Army Corps. Buhari played a key role in several coups, including the 1975 coup that ousted General Yakubu Gowon.

In 1983, Buhari seized power in a military coup and became the Head of State, serving until 1985 when he was overthrown in another coup.

After being overthrown, Buhari retired from the military and began a career in politics. He ran for president in 2003, 2007, and 2011, but was unsuccessful in each attempt.

However, in 2015, Buhari won the presidential election under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and became the President of Nigeria.

He was re-elected in 2019, serving until May 2023. During his presidency, Buhari faced numerous challenges, including a struggling economy, Boko Haram insurgency, and corruption.

 He implemented various policies and initiatives aimed at addressing these issues, including economic recovery plans and anti-corruption efforts.

Buhari's presidency was marked by both significant accomplishments and criticisms.