In the wake of his recent passing, former President Muhammadu Buhari remains one of the most influential and polarising figures in Nigerian history. From military rule to democratic leadership, Buhari’s legacy spans over five decades of national service. Whether you admired his stern discipline or questioned his policies, understanding the man behind the title is essential for anyone studying Nigeria’s past and present leadership.
This article offers 20 well-researched facts about Muhammadu Buhari, cutting through sentiment and speculation to provide clear, credible insights into the life and career of a man who shaped Nigeria’s political trajectory more than once.
1. He was born on 17 December 1942 in Daura, Katsina State.
Buhari hailed from a Fulani family in northern Nigeria and was the 23rd child of his father. His early years were shaped by modest rural living and Islamic education.
2. He joined the Nigerian military at age 19.
In 1962, Buhari enrolled at the Nigerian Military Training College (NMTC) in Kaduna and later attended the Mons Officer Cadet School in Aldershot, United Kingdom.
3. Buhari served as Nigeria’s military Head of State from 1983 to 1985.
He came to power after a military coup ousted President Shehu Shagari, citing corruption and mismanagement.
4. His government introduced the controversial ‘War Against Indiscipline’ (WAI).
WAI was a nationwide campaign that enforced public order through military-style discipline. It remains one of his most iconic and controversial policies.
5. He was overthrown in a bloodless coup in August 1985.
His former Chief of Army Staff, General Ibrahim Babangida, removed him from office, ending his first stint as Nigeria’s leader.
6. Buhari was imprisoned for over three years following the coup.
He was detained in Benin City until his release in 1988, marking a long period away from public life.
7. He returned to politics in 2003 and ran for president three times unsuccessfully.
He contested in 2003, 2007, and 2011, losing all three elections before finally winning in 2015 under the All Progressives Congress (APC).
8. Buhari became Nigeria’s first opposition candidate to defeat a sitting president.
In 2015, he defeated incumbent President Goodluck Jonathan, marking a historic democratic transfer of power.
9. He served two consecutive terms as Nigeria’s civilian president (2015–2023).
Buhari remained in office for eight years, completing the maximum constitutional limit.
10. His administration introduced the Nigerian school feeding programme.
This was part of the National Social Investment Programme (NSIP), aimed at increasing school enrolment and improving child nutrition.
11. Under Buhari, Nigeria experienced one of its longest university strikes.
The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) embarked on a strike that lasted eight months in 2022, severely disrupting higher education.
12. He launched the Nigeria Digital Economy Policy and Strategy.
This move sought to diversify the economy through digital transformation and youth technology empowerment.
13. Buhari’s tenure saw the introduction of the Nigeria Air project.
Though it faced delays and controversy, Nigeria Air was billed as a national carrier initiative meant to revive the aviation sector.
14. He was a founding figure in the creation of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Although EFCC was officially formed under Obasanjo, Buhari’s anti-corruption rhetoric and past actions laid part of its philosophical groundwork.
15. He faced criticism for economic stagnation and inflation during his tenure.
Nigeria slipped into recession twice under Buhari’s civilian rule, and critics pointed to inconsistent economic policies and rising poverty.
16. He was often criticised for his silence during national crises.
His communication style was frequently described as detached, especially during protests like #EndSARS and major security breakdowns.
17. Buhari was married to Aisha Buhari, Nigeria’s First Lady from 2015 to 2023.
Aisha Buhari was vocal on women’s rights and occasionally criticised her husband’s administration, drawing both praise and controversy.
18. His government initiated the Nigeria Student Loan Scheme.
In 2023, Buhari signed into law the student loan bill to provide interest-free loans to students in tertiary institutions, though implementation remained limited during his tenure.
19. Buhari often cited his admiration for late President Murtala Mohammed.
He considered Murtala Mohammed a model for public integrity, discipline, and national service, which heavily influenced his own leadership philosophy.
20. He died on 14 July 2025 at the age of 82.
His death marks the end of an era for one of Nigeria’s most enduring political figures; admired by some, criticised by many, but impossible to ignore.oth revered and contested in equal measure.
