UNIMAID Set To Hold 25Th Convocation, 50Th Anniversary Celebrations

NEWSDAILYNIGERIA: The University of Maiduguri has announced major achievements in academic reforms,digital transformation,infrastructure development and research expansion as it prepares for its 25th Convocation and 50th (Golden Jubilee) Anniversary.

The Vice-Chancellor,Professor Mohammed Laminu Mele,made the announcement during a world press conference on Monday,24th,November,2025,marking the commencement of activities for the twin celebrations.

The Vice Chancellor described the milestones as historic for an institution that started in 1975 with modest facilities inherited from the defunct North-East College of Arts and Science.

According to him,the University has now grown into a leading centre of scholarship and innovation serving Nigeria and the wider Lake Chad Basin.

Prof. Mele explained that over the past year and a half,his administration has intensified reforms aimed at strengthening academic standards,improving research visibility and enhancing students’ learning outcomes.

He said the full domestication of the National Universities Commission’s Quality Assurance Framework has strengthened curriculum monitoring and improved departmental and faculty oversight.

Prof. Mohammed Mele added that the University has upgraded its digital and physical learning resources through renewed subscriptions to electronic materials and improved reading spaces,while enhanced partnerships with universities,research institutes,international NGOs and diplomatic missions continue to expand its research footprint.

Highlighting significant progress in digitalisation,the Vice-Chancellor described ICT transformation as central to building a modern,efficient and globally competitive institution.

He said the University’s fibre-optic backbone and core network infrastructure are nearing completion and several digital platforms have already been deployed for administration,finance,research management and student services.

Prof. Mele also announced that UNIMAID is a key beneficiary of the USD 617.7 million Investment in Digital and Creative Enterprises (IDICE) project funded by AfDB,AFD,IDB and the Federal Government,describing it as a landmark opportunity that will advance digital innovation in the region.

He further revealed the establishment of the UNDP–UNIMAID UNIPod Innovation Hub at the Abdul Samad Rabiu International Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship,which now houses laboratories for renewable energy,prototyping,electronics,textiles,food processing,creative design and advanced engineering technology.

In addition,the University is among ten federal institutions selected for the USD 4 million Blueprint ICT Development Project aimed at strengthening e-learning,workflow automation and digital competency.

The Vice-Chancellor added that the French Embassy had also selected the University in the Gold Category of its Bilingual and Competitive Fund to support the establishment of a French Language Digital Resource Centre and sponsor DELF and DALF certification for students to enhance global competitiveness.

Prof. Mele said the University is expanding its agricultural and revenue-generation capacity by revitalising its commercial farm to increase crop production,dairy processing,poultry and fishery operations.

According to him,a ₦1 billion TETFund grant had been secured for modernising the farm and for boosting agricpreneurship training.

He added that reforms were ongoing in UNIMAID Consultancy Services Ltd,the Microfinance Bank and UNIMAID Ventures to strengthen internal revenue generation.

On infrastructure,the Vice-Chancellor reported the renovation of more than 32 lecture theatres,refurbishment of toilets and common rooms in 10 halls of residence,phased upgrades of staff offices and faculty buildings,improved street lighting,landscaping and sanitation and the drilling of five new middle-aquifer boreholes funded by the Borno State Government.

He expressed appreciation to the Federal Government for sustained support,particularly the 12 Mega Watts Hybrid Solar Power Plant,which has significantly stabilised electricity supply across the campus and enhanced operations in the College of Medical Sciences.

Prof. Mohammed Laminu Mele also acknowledged the allocation of ₦4 billion by TETFund for the expansion of medical training facilities,additional funding for a medical hostel and the establishment of a Simulation Laboratory,as well as ongoing interventions from the North-East Development Commission.

He commended Governor Babagana Umara Zulum for exceptional and continuous support to the University,including staff housing,scholarships,laboratory upgrades,solar-powered boreholes and the construction of a new academic complex for the University Demonstration Secondary School.

Announcing details of the upcoming convocation,the Vice-Chancellor said 20,164 graduates would be conferred with various degrees,making it one of the largest cohorts in the University’s history.

The graduating class comprises 66 PhDs,1,020 Master’s degree holders,3,851 postgraduate diplomas,13,624 Bachelor’s degree graduates and 1,603 diploma recipients.

Among the Bachelor’s degree graduates,205 earned First Class honours,3,114 obtained Second Class Upper Division and 9,501 finished with Second Class Lower Division.

The Vice Chancellor congratulated the graduands for their hard work,resilience and dedications to academic excellence.

Prof. Mele described the Golden Jubilee celebration as a profound reminder of the University’s resilience and growth despite decades of challenges which include insurgency,economic constraints and a global pandemic.

From its initial two faculties,the University now boasts of 17 faculties,a College of Medical Sciences,a College of Postgraduate Studies and 17 specialised research centres.

As part of the celebration,the institution will honour distinguished Nigerians and confer the titles of Professors Emeritus on notable scholars whose contributions have shaped and is still shaping the institution.

Professor Mele also announced the establishment of UNIMAID Endowment Fund,describing it as a long-term investment mechanism for strengthening research,expanding infrastructure,supporting innovation,sustaining scholarships and ensuring the financial stability of the University for generations.

The Vice Chancellor called on alumni,corporate bodies,development partners and philanthropists to support the initiative and contribute to building a stronger and more globally impactful institution.

Prof. Mohammed Laminu Mele concluded by affirming that as the University celebrates its 25th Convocation and 50 years of academic excellence,it stands renewed,more resilient and better prepared to shape the future of higher education in Nigeria and beyond.