The University of Maiduguri has announced significant achievements in academic reforms, digital transformation, infrastructure development, and research expansion as it prepares for its 25th Combined Convocation and 50th (Golden Jubilee) Anniversary.
The announcement was made by the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Mohammed Laminu Mele, during a world press conference on Monday. Professor Mele detailed milestones attained by the institution since its establishment in 1975, describing them as historic for a university that started with modest facilities inherited from the defunct North-East College of Arts and Science.
He highlighted efforts over the past year and a half to strengthen academic standards, enhance research visibility, and improve student learning outcomes through the full domestication of the National Universities Commission’s Quality Assurance Framework, upgraded digital and physical learning resources, and expanded partnerships with universities, research institutes, international NGOs, and diplomatic missions.
On digitalisation, Professor Mele said the University’s fibre-optic backbone and core network infrastructure are nearing completion, with several digital platforms deployed for administration, finance, research management, and student services. He noted that UNIMAID is a beneficiary of the USD 617.7 million Investment in Digital and Creative Enterprises (IDICE) project funded by AfDB, AFD, IDB, and the Federal Government.
He also announced the establishment of the UNDP–UNIMAID UNIPod Innovation Hub at the Abdul Samad Rabiu International Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, housing laboratories for renewable energy, prototyping, electronics, textiles, food processing, creative design, and advanced engineering technology. The University is further among ten federal institutions selected for the USD 4 million Blueprint ICT Development Project.
Professor Mele also highlighted achievements in agricultural development, revenue generation, and infrastructure. The University has revitalised its commercial farm, secured a ₦1 billion TETFund grant for modernisation, and strengthened internal revenue generation through UNIMAID Consultancy Services Ltd., the Microfinance Bank, and UNIMAID Ventures.
Infrastructure improvements include renovation of 32 lecture theatres, upgraded staff offices, enhanced street lighting, sanitation works, and the drilling of five new boreholes funded by the Borno State Government. He acknowledged support from the Federal Government, particularly the 12MW Hybrid Solar Power Plant, and commended Governor Babagana Umara Zulum for continuous assistance, including staff housing, scholarships, laboratory upgrades, and construction of a new academic complex.
Announcing convocation details, Professor Mele said 20,164 graduates would be conferred with various degrees, including 66 PhDs, 1,020 Master’s degrees, 3,851 postgraduate diplomas, 13,624 Bachelor’s degrees, and 1,603 diplomas.
Among Bachelor’s degree holders, 205 earned First Class honours, 3,114 obtained Second Class Upper Division, and 9,501 finished with Second Class Lower Division. He described the Golden Jubilee celebration as a testament to the University’s resilience and growth despite insurgency, economic constraints, and the global pandemic.
Professor Mele also announced the establishment of the UNIMAID Endowment Fund to strengthen research, expand infrastructure, support innovation, sustain scholarships, and ensure the financial stability of the University. He called on alumni, corporate bodies, development partners, and philanthropists to contribute to the initiative.
He concluded that as the University celebrates its 25th Convocation and 50 years of academic excellence, it stands renewed, resilient, and prepared to shape the future of higher education in Nigeria and the wider Lake Chad Basin.
