University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID) stepped into its golden jubilee with an atmosphere charged with pride, reflection, and hope as 20,164 students graduated on Friday during the institution’s combined 25th Convocation Ceremony and 50th Anniversary celebration.
Addressing the crowd of dignitaries, faculty, families, and graduands, Vice Chancellor Professor Mohammed Laminu Mele delivered an inspiring charge to what he described as one of the largest graduating cohorts in the university’s history.
“Today, we confer degrees upon a new generation… Convocation is not merely a ceremonial rite; it is a profound affirmation,” Prof. Mele declared, emphasizing that the achievements of the graduands represent not only academic effort but also “the resilience and determination of the students and staff.”
Reflecting on the university’s journey since 1975, the VC said UNIMAID began as a bold dream—a promise of enlightenment for a region seeking opportunity and intellectual growth.
Forty-nine years later, that dream has transformed into a thriving epicenter of scholarship and innovation.
He described the milestone ceremony as “a celebration of academic accomplishment and a solemn reflection on five decades of remarkable growth and unwavering commitment to excellence.”
According to him, the university’s evolution has created generations of thinkers, innovators, leaders, and nation-builders who continue to shape not only the North-East but the entire country.
Prof. Mele announced that the 20,164 graduands were drawn from two colleges and 17 faculties, reflecting the university’s broad academic diversity and intellectual strength.
The breakdown includes:
66 PhDs
1,020 Master’s degrees
3,851 Postgraduate Diplomas
13,624 Bachelor’s degrees
1,699 Diplomas
Congratulating them, the VC noted that completing their studies in a challenging environment speaks volumes about their dedication.
“This distinguished cohort represents the rich academic diversity of our university,” he added.
Despite notable achievements, Prof. Mele acknowledged that UNIMAID still grapples with critical challenges—ranging from inadequate infrastructure and limited academic staff to insecurity and the rising demand for tertiary education.
He stressed the university’s continued efforts to strengthen academic programmes, upgrade facilities, expand digital access, and promote innovation.
The VC appealed for greater support from government, alumni, philanthropists, development partners, and corporate bodies. “The future of our youth—and indeed the future of Nigeria—rests on the strength, stability, and sustainability of institutions like the University of Maiduguri,” he said.
To the graduating students, Prof. Mele offered heartfelt advice for the journey ahead.
“The degree you receive today is not merely a certificate—it is a symbol of your capacity to learn, to innovate, to solve complex problems, to lead with wisdom, and to contribute meaningfully to society.”
He urged them to carry with them the values that define UNIMAID: integrity, discipline, critical inquiry, service, resilience, and humility. Emphasising self-reliance, he added:
“You are trained to be job creators, not merely job seekers.”
Encouraging them to be ambassadors of peace and knowledge, he concluded:
“We have prepared you to be lifelong learners… We expect you to uphold the legacy of this great institution.”
