The University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID) has re-launched its Endowment Fund, attracting donations exceeding N5 billion, as part of activities marking its 50th anniversary celebration in Maiduguri.
The Vice President, Sen. Kashim Shettima, who delivered the anniversary lecture titled “Education, Leadership and National Development,” said the Federal Government remained committed to revitalising the education sector through increased funding and comprehensive reforms.
The lecture, which held at the Muhammadu Indimi International Conference Centre, preceded the conferment of honorary doctorate degrees on the Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum; the Emir of Kazaure, Alhaji Najib Hussaini Adamu; and industrialist Sir Emeka Offor.
Shettima described education as the “immune system of the nation,” adding that it remained the most reliable vehicle for national development. He said the university had “paid its dues” in its 50 years of existence by producing graduates who combined knowledge, competence and moral character.
The Vice President highlighted that the Federal Government has allocated N3.5 trillion, representing 7.3 per cent of the 2025 national budget, to the education sector, saying the administration was not paying lip service to educational advancement.
He listed ongoing initiatives, including support for mechanised farming in universities, grants for medical education and expanded entrepreneurial programmes designed to equip students with 21st-century skills.
Shettima said the Boko Haram insurgency severely affected the education sector in Borno State, noting that more than 500 schools were attacked, over 2,246 to 5,000 classrooms destroyed, and 2,295 teachers killed between 2009 and 2021.
He, however, stated that the state had recorded major recovery through resilience programmes. According to him, public schools have registered 877,777 learners, with education receiving N70 billion in the state budget, in addition to investments in school feeding and examination fees.
On national reforms, he said President Bola Tinubu had introduced several policies to expand equitable access to education, including the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) which has disbursed N110 billion in interest-free loans to more than 328,000 students.
The Vice President called for collective responsibility in addressing the challenges facing the sector, adding that “government cannot do it alone.”
Shettima noted that talent and opportunities now circulate globally and urged stakeholders to ensure that Nigeria competes favourably in the evolving world economy.
Endowment Fund Re-launched
The highlight of the anniversary was the official re-launch of the UNIMAID Endowment Fund, which generated more than N5 billion in commitments.
The chief launcher and Chairman of Oriental Energy Resources, Alhaji Muhammadu Indimi, announced a N2 billion donation, describing investment in education as an obligation to future generations.
The North-East Governors Forum, led by Gov. Babagana Umara Zulum, donated N1.8 billion, while the North-East Development Commission (NEDC) pledged N1.5 billion, comprising N250 million cash and N500 million in project support.
Other major donations included N250 million from Sir Emeka Offor, N200 million collectively from Borno National Assembly members, and N100 million from the APC Deputy National Chairman (North), Hon. Ali Bukar Dalori.
The university management said the fund would support research, infrastructure, scholarships and other developmental programmes aimed at strengthening UNIMAID’s competitiveness in the years ahead.
