A total of 205 undergraduate students bagged first-class honours as the University of Maiduguri is set to graduate 20,164 students from various academic programmes.
The Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof Muhammed Mele disclosed this during a press conference in Maiduguri on Monday as part of activities to mark the institution’s 25th convocation and 50th anniversary
According to the VC, the 20,164 graduates comprise PhDs, Master’s Degrees, Postgraduate Diplomas, Bachelor’s Degrees, and Diploma students
Giving the breakdown, Mele said “This year, the University of Maiduguri proudly graduates 20,164 students – one of the largest cohorts in our history. These include 66 PhDs, 1,020 Master’s Degrees
3,851 Postgraduate Diplomas, 13,624, Bachelor’s Degrees and 1,699 Diplomas”
“For the Bachelor’s degree, there are: 205 First Class Honours, 3,114 Second Class Upper, 9,501 Second Class Lower” he stated
Mele, however, commended the federal and state government for providing necessary support which was key to the institution’s academic excellence
“The University expresses its deep gratitude to the Federal Government of Nigeria under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for sustained funding and consistent policy support,” he said
“In particular, we acknowledge the transformative impact of the 12MW Hybrid Solar Power Plant, a major intervention that has greatly stabilised electricity supply across the campus and the Medical College as well as enhanced academic and administrative operations” he added.
He further noted that the university has benefited immensely from the TETFund allocations in recent times which have enabled it to expand various programmes and facilities across the school
“The university is also a beneficiary of four billion naira from TETFund for the expansion of facilities to increase enrolment into Medicine, Dentistry, Nursing and Pharmacy.
“In addition, the Federal Government has also allocated over 700 million for the provision of hostels in the Medical College as well as more funds for the establishment of a Simulation Laboratory.”
Melee said these laudable interventions will further strengthen the University’s position as a Centre of Excellence in medical training.
“We also extend our profound appreciation to the Borno State Government, led by His
Excellency Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, CON, FNSE, mni, for his exceptional and continuous support.
“This includes the provision of staff housing, installation of laboratory equipment, scholarships and sponsorships for students and staff, solar-powered boreholes and direct” he stated.
Speaking on the 50th anniversary celebration, Mele stated that it will provide an opportunity to reflect on how the University stood firm in the face of threats and insurgency crises in the state, while charting a way forward for future progress
“The University has stood firm as a steadfast symbol of courage, stability and intellectual fortitude for the entire Sahelregion.
“To secure the next fifty years and beyond, the University has established the UNIMAID Endowment Fund.
“It is expected to serve as an enduring vehicle to strengthen research, expand infrastructure, nurture innovation, support scholarships and ensure long-term financial sustainability,” he said
According to him, during the celebration, the University will honour three exceptional Nigerians whose contributions to society are exemplary “Some professors whose mentorship and service have left an indelible legacy on this University,” he added
He also urged stakeholders of the school to support the institution in its quest to raise funding to enhance quality and 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 future of UNIMAID.
“Help us build a stronger, smarter and ever more impactful institution for generations to come” he added.
– Punchng
