Vice Chancellor of the University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID), Professor Mohammed Laminu Mele, speaking during a press conference ahead of the university’s Golden Jubilee and combined Convocation Ceremony, held at the Mohammed Indimi International Conference Centre, Maiduguri
Vice Chancellor of the University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID), Professor Mohammed Laminu Mele, has opened up on the institution’s biggest obstacles over the decades, declaring that chronic underfunding remains “the greatest challenge” confronting UNIMAID since its establishment.
Speaking on Monday during a press conference ahead of the university’s Golden Jubilee and combined Convocation Ceremony, held at the Mohammed Indimi International Conference Centre, Prof. Mele explained that insecurity—especially the years of Boko Haram attacks—has further disrupted academic and administrative activities, stalling growth in staffing, research, facilities and laboratories.
According to him, “under funding has been responsible for lack of employment of lecturers, carrying out researches, training, rehabilitation and repairs to facilities, equipments and improving laboratories, and some structures within the university to enhance academic performance and excellence.”
He added that insecurity has “truncated academics and administrative activities” while threatening the provision of essential facilities for both staff and students.
Marking its 50th anniversary and 25th Convocation in 2025, UNIMAID is graduating one of its largest cohorts in history—20,164 students.
“Despite all the challenges and obstacles academically and administratively, the University of Maiduguri stands renewed,” the VC said. “It is now more innovative, more resilient and more prepared to shape the future of education in Nigeria and beyond.”
Giving the breakdown, Prof. Mele announced: 66 PhDs, 1,020 Master’s Degrees, 3,851 Postgraduate Diplomas, 13,624 Bachelor’s Degrees and 1,699 Diplomas
For the Bachelor’s category: 205 First Class Honours, 3,114 Second Class Upper and 9,501 Second Class Lower
“We congratulate our graduates for their hard work, resilience and dedication,” he said.
A journey from 2 faculties to a sahel intellectual powerhouse
Describing the Golden Jubilee as “a profound celebration of resilience, growth and unwavering purpose,” Prof. Mele reflected on the university’s evolution from two modest faculties into an institution boasting: 17 faculties, a College of Medical Sciences, College of Postgraduate Studies and 12 specialised research centres
He noted that UNIMAID has remained “a steadfast symbol of courage, stability and intellectual fortitude for the entire Sahel region,” despite insurgency, economic constraints and the COVID-19 pandemic.
As part of the 50th anniversary events, the university will honour three distinguished Nigerians and appoint a select group of senior scholars as Professors Emeriti for their lifelong service.
Securing the future: UNIMAID Endowment Fund
To guarantee long-term stability, the institution has launched the UNIMAID Endowment Fund, which he said will bolster research, expand infrastructure, support innovation, fund scholarships and ensure financial sustainability.
“We therefore extend an earnest call to our alumni, partners, corporate organisations, philanthropists and all lovers of education to join hands with us in shaping the UNIMAID of the future,” Prof. Mele urged. “Help us build a stronger, smarter and ever more impactful institution for generations to come.”
Raising UNIMAID’s global profile
The VC highlighted a surge in research visibility through new partnerships with national universities, research institutes, international NGOs, development agencies, foreign embassies and global foundations.
He noted that UNIMAID now participates in active collaborations with institutions across the world—an expansion he described as reinforcing its role “as a trusted partner for international scholarship and cross-cultural exchange.”
Digitalisation and the push for a 21st-century campus
Prof. Mele also showcased the university’s digital transformation agenda, anchored on modern infrastructure, improved systems and capacity-building.
At the core of this push is a new Innovation and Research Hub, featuring nine specialised units including: prototyping space, food processing laboratory, renewable energy laboratory,, textiles laboratory, electronics laboratory, CAD space, CNC engineering workshop, creative laboratory and technology transfer office
He said euipment for four of the labs has already been delivered, and branding is underway.
The VC further announced that UNIMAID is among 10 federal universities selected from 28 to benefit from the $4 million Blueprint-ICT Development Project, a four-year programme designed to: upgrade digital infrastructure, automate administrative processes, enhance e-learning and build digital skills among staff and students
