Muhammadu Buhari
- Name: Muhammadu Buhari
- Birthdate: December 17, 1942,
- Birthplace: Daura, Katsina state
- Occupation: Politician
- Children: Five
Muhammadu Buhari was born on December 17, 1942, in Daura, Katsina state, Nigeria. He is the 23rd child of Mallam Hardo Adamu, a Fula chieftain, and Zulaihat. After his father's death, when Buhari was about four years old, he was raised by his mother.
Education
Buhari attended primary school in Daura and Mai'Adua from 1948 to 1952, then proceeded to Katsina Middle School in 1953. He completed his secondary education at the Katsina Provincial Secondary School (now Government College, Katsina) from 1956 to 1961, earning his West African School Certificate.
Military career
Buhari enlisted in the Nigerian Army in 1962 and underwent officer cadet training at Mons Officer Cadet School in Aldershot, England. Commissioned as a second lieutenant in 1963, he served in various capacities, including as a platoon commander and later as a brigade major. During the Nigerian Civil War, he held significant roles, including serving as the Assistant Adjutant-General of the First Infantry Division. Post-war, he continued to rise through the ranks, attending the Defence Services Staff College in India and the U.S. Army War College, where he earned a master's degree in Strategic Studies. He held several key positions, including Federal Commissioner for Petroleum and Natural Resources and later as the Chairman of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation.
Political career
Buhari first came to national prominence in 1983 when he led a military coup that overthrew the civilian government of President Shehu Shagari. He served as the Head of State until 1985, implementing policies aimed at curbing corruption and indiscipline. After being ousted from power, he returned to civilian life and became involved in various philanthropic activities. In 2003, he contested the presidency under the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP), and again in 2007 and 2011 under the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC). In 2015, he won the presidency as the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), defeating incumbent President Goodluck Jonathan. He was re-elected in 2019, serving two terms from 2015 to 2023.
Presidency (2015–2023)
During his tenure, Buhari focused on anti-corruption initiatives, economic diversification, and security reforms. His administration implemented the Treasury Single Account (TSA) to centralise government revenues, which reportedly saved taxpayers N5.244 trillion by February 2017. He also pursued a robust anti-corruption agenda, recovering over $300 million in looted funds from former dictator Sani Abacha's Swiss accounts. In the realm of infrastructure, his government completed over 30 of the 41 priority water supply projects inherited from previous administrations.
Post-presidency
Upon completing his second term on May 29, 2023, Buhari peacefully handed over power to his successor, Bola Tinubu. He returned to his hometown of Daura, Katsina state, and later Kaduna state, where he largely maintained a low profile, focusing on personal endeavours and family life.
Personal life
Buhari is married to Aisha Buhari, a former beauty therapist and founder of Hanzy Spa and Hanzy Beauty Institute. They have five children and a granddaughter. Aisha Buhari has been an advocate for women's and children's health and education, launching the Future Assured Programme to address reproductive, maternal, newborn, child, and adolescent health challenges.
