The Management of the University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID) has announced its readiness to launch its endowment initiatives to tackle funding gaps, support innovation, sustain scholarships and ensure the financial stability of the university for generations.
Mohammed Laminu Mele, the Vice-Chancellor of UNIMAID, made the announcement during a world press conference on Monday to mark the commencement of activities for the university’s 25th Convocation and 50th (Golden Jubilee) Anniversary, noting that underfunding of the university system remains a major challenge.
He described the endowment as a long-term investment mechanism for strengthening research and expanding infrastructure that would enhance effectiveness and efficiency in the digital age.
He called on alumni, corporate bodies, development partners and philanthropists to support the initiative and contribute to building a stronger and more globally impactful institution.
He said: “I think funding remains our biggest challenge. University education is underfunded, and that’s why we are launching the UNIMAID Endowment Fund to help bridge the funding gaps. We are facing many challenges ranging from manpower to infrastructure upgrades, among others.”
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.
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.
According to him, 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.
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Mele also announced major achievements in academic reforms, digital transformation, infrastructure development and research expansion.
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.
