Muhammadu Buhari: Biography And Achievements Of Nigeria’s Former President
Muhammadu Buhari is one of Nigeria’s most talked-about leaders. Known for his tough stance on corruption and discipline, he served as Nigeria’s military Head of State in the 1980s and later as a two-term civilian president from 2015 to 2023. His story is one of resilience, strict leadership, and a vision to rebuild Nigeria.
Early Life And Education
Muhammadu Buhari was born on December 17, 1942, in Daura, Katsina State, in northern Nigeria. He is the twenty-third child of his father, Mallam Hardo Adamu, a Fulani chief. Buhari lost his father at a young age and was raised by his mother, Zulaihat.
He attended primary school in Daura and Mai’adua before proceeding to Katsina Middle School in 1953. He then went to the prestigious Katsina Provincial Secondary School, now known as Government College Katsina.
His interest in a disciplined career path led him to join the Nigerian Military Training College (NMTC) in 1962. Buhari furthered his military education in the United Kingdom at Mons Officer Cadet School and later at the Defence Services Staff College, India.
Military Career
Buhari’s military career was long and eventful. He held various command and staff positions, rising through the ranks with a reputation for discipline and honesty.
He played significant roles in Nigeria’s history:
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He participated in the 1966 counter-coup, which brought General Yakubu Gowon to power.
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He fought bravely during the Nigerian Civil War (1967–1970).
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By the late 1970s, he served as Military Governor of the old North-Eastern State and later as the Federal Commissioner for Petroleum and Natural Resources.
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He was appointed Chairman of the newly created Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) in 1977.
Military Head Of State (1983–1985)
On December 31, 1983, Buhari led a military coup that overthrew the civilian government of President Shehu Shagari. He became Nigeria’s Military Head of State, citing widespread corruption and economic mismanagement as reasons for the takeover.
During his military regime, Buhari launched the famous “War Against Indiscipline (WAI)”, aiming to restore order and patriotism among Nigerians. His administration:
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Introduced strict rules against late coming and queue jumping.
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Fought hard against corruption, jailing many politicians.
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Promoted local production to reduce dependence on imports.
However, critics often described his regime as too harsh and authoritarian. In August 1985, Buhari was overthrown in another coup led by General Ibrahim Babangida.
Return To Democracy And Civilian Presidency
After being detained for about three years, Buhari retired quietly from public life for a while but remained popular among Nigerians who admired his integrity.
He first contested for the presidency in 2003 under the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) but lost to President Olusegun Obasanjo. He tried again in 2007 and 2011, also without success.
In 2015, Buhari ran under the newly formed All Progressives Congress (APC) and won, defeating the incumbent president, Goodluck Jonathan. This was Nigeria’s first peaceful transfer of power from a sitting president to an opposition candidate.
He was re-elected in 2019, serving until May 29, 2023.
Major Achievements As Civilian President
Buhari’s administration focused on three main areas: fighting corruption, improving security, and reviving the economy.
1. Anti-Corruption Drive
One of Buhari’s strongest promises was to tackle corruption. Under his leadership:
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High-profile politicians and officials were prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
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The Treasury Single Account (TSA) was enforced to reduce leakages in government revenue.
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Several billions of Naira were recovered from looted funds.
Though critics argue corruption did not disappear, many believe Buhari’s government set a new tone for accountability.
2. Infrastructure Development
Buhari’s government invested heavily in infrastructure. Notable projects include:
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The Second Niger Bridge, connecting the South-East and South-South regions.
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Major road projects like the Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano Expressway.
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Expansion of the railway network: the Abuja-Kaduna rail, Lagos-Ibadan rail, and the Warri-Itakpe rail line were completed and operational under his tenure.
3. Agricultural Revolution
Through programs like Anchor Borrowers’ Programme, Buhari’s administration supported millions of farmers with loans and equipment. This aimed to boost local food production and reduce the importation of rice and other staples.
4. Security Efforts
Buhari’s government faced serious security challenges, including Boko Haram insurgency, banditry, and kidnapping. His administration strengthened the military and reclaimed territories that were previously controlled by terrorists in the North-East, though insecurity remained a major issue throughout his tenure.
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5. Social Investment Programmes
The Buhari government launched social welfare schemes such as:
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N-Power: Employment opportunities for young graduates.
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School Feeding Programme: Free meals for primary school pupils to encourage school attendance.
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Conditional Cash Transfer: Financial support for the poorest households.
Life After Presidency
On May 29, 2023, Buhari peacefully handed over to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. He returned to his hometown, Daura, to enjoy retirement. Despite mixed opinions about his time in office, Buhari remains an important figure in Nigeria’s political history.
Conclusion
Muhammadu Buhari’s life story is a journey from humble beginnings in Katsina to leading Africa’s largest democracy twice—first as a soldier and later as an elected president. He will be remembered for his fight against corruption, efforts to modernize infrastructure, and his belief in discipline as the bedrock for national development.
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