Buhari Helped Pay My Children’s School Fees - Gowon

 According to a report by Vanguard on Monday, July 13, 2026, former Head of State General Yakubu Gowon revealed that late former President Muhammadu Buhari once helped him pay his children’s school fees while his family was living in the United Kingdom after he left office.

Gowon made the disclosure during a remembrance event in Abuja marking the first anniversary of Buhari’s passing. He explained that he had sought Buhari’s assistance when he encountered financial difficulty in paying the school fees, and the former president responded by ensuring his family received the necessary support.

“I appealed to him, and he ensured that my family received assistance to pay those school fees. That was the kind of person he was. He cared for people,” Gowon said.

The former Head of State also described Buhari as a leader who governed in the interest of all Nigerians, rejecting suggestions that his administration was focused only on the northern region. He further praised the political relationship between President Bola Tinubu and Buhari, saying Tinubu supported Buhari’s emergence as president, while Buhari later backed Tinubu’s successful presidential bid.

The remembrance ceremony was attended by President Bola Tinubu, represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, alongside governors, former public office holders, traditional rulers and other dignitaries, who paid tribute to Buhari’s legacy of public service and commitment to Nigeria.