The University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID) on Friday graduated a total of 20,164 students during its 25th convocation ceremony, which also marked the institution’s 50th anniversary. Out of the graduating students, 205 earned First Class honours.
Speaking at the event in Maiduguri, the Vice Chancellor, Professor Mohammed Laminu Mele, gave a breakdown of the degrees awarded. He said the graduates came from two colleges and 17 faculties, reflecting the university’s wide academic strength.
He announced that the university awarded 66 PhDs, 1,020 Master’s degrees, 3,851 Postgraduate Diplomas, 13,624 Bachelor’s degrees, and 1,699 Diplomas.
Among the Bachelor’s degree graduates were 205 First Class, 3,114 Second Class Upper, and 9,501 Second Class Lower.
Professor Mele described the achievements of the students as the result of years of hard work, sacrifice, and dedication. He added that their success signaled future leadership, innovation, and service to the country and humanity.
He also announced the conferment of honorary doctorate degrees on three distinguished Nigerians for their outstanding contributions to society: Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, Governor of Borno State, for his leadership and commitment to education and development;
Alhaji Najib Hussaini Adamu, Emir of Kazaure, for his role in traditional leadership, peace-building, and cultural preservation; Chief Sir Emeka Offor, philanthropist and entrepreneur, for his investments in education, health, and youth empowerment.
Professor Mele further revealed that the university had honoured three eminent scholars with the title of Professor Emeritus for their over four decades of service in teaching and research. They are: Professor Bukar Bababe (Soil Science), Professor Shettima Umara Bulakarima (Languages and Linguistics) and Professor Haruna Dantoro Dlakwa (Public Administration).
The Chancellor of UNIMAID and Emir of Lafia, Justice Sidi Bage Muhammad, praised the government and people of Borno State for their continued support and hospitality.
He also acknowledged the historical role of Borno as a centre of learning for more than a thousand years.
In his remarks, the Pro-Chancellor, Dr Adamu Yunusa Dan Gwani, described the ceremony as a moment of celebration and reflection.
He applauded the founders’ vision and commended the university leadership for its progress in strengthening academic standards, improving security, and enhancing digital operations and revenue generation.
He stated that the graduation of over 20,000 students this year demonstrated the resilience and commitment of both the students and the university community.
