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UNIMAID VC, Prof Shugaba laments funding, infrastructure challenges
The Vice Chancellor of the University of Maiduguri, Prof Aliyu Shugaba, expressed concern over the challenges faced by the university in realizing its vision and mission.
He highlighted the university’s rapid expansion and growth over the last 48 years but noted that poor funding from the Federal Government and rising inflation in the country have hindered the necessary upgrades in facilities.
In a letter addressed to the Speaker of the Bauchi State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Abubakar Y Suleiman, the University appointed him as an ‘Ambassador-at-large’ due to his status as one of its accomplished alumni.
The Vice-Chancellor explained that the University of Maiduguri Management decided to relaunch the University’s Endowment Fund, which was initially initiated by the late Vice Chancellor, Professor Muhammad Nur Alkali, in 1986, as a measure to address the concerning situation.
The University of Maiduguri, established in 1976, is one of the seven second-generation institutions of higher learning in Nigeria and the first university in the Northeast subregion.
The institution has experienced significant growth in both physical infrastructure and academic programs. It currently offers 127 academic programs across 89 departments, including a medical college, 16 faculties, 23 institutes, academic centres, units, and two schools.
The Muhammadu Indimi International Centre, purposefully built and well-equipped, is among the notable facilities.
The Vice-Chancellor also highlighted the increase in student enrollment, which has surpassed 70,000 across various postgraduate, undergraduate, diploma, certificate, and remedial programs.
The National Universities Commission (NUC) recently recognized the University of Maiduguri as the most populated university in Nigeria, with the highest student population. Furthermore, the university boasts a staff body of 6,000 academic and non-academic personnel.
The Vice-Chancellor emphasized the university’s commitment to teaching, learning, and research, which has elevated its status as a key player in learning and scholarship globally.
The University of Maiduguri takes pride in producing distinguished individuals in various sectors of Nigeria, including notable figures such as the Vice President of Nigeria, Senator Kashim Shettima, and the President of the Senate, Senator Dr Ahmad Ibrahim Lawan.
The University expressed its expectation that the Speaker, as an accomplished alumnus, would assist in successfully relaunching the University of Maiduguri Endowment Fund. By doing so, the university aims to enhance its ability to tackle the significant challenges of training qualified manpower required for national development in the 21st century.
In response to his appointment, the Speaker expressed gratitude to the University for considering him worthy of such a role, which he proudly accepted. He attributed his personal achievements to the quality education and training he received at the University of Maiduguri, considering it a centre of excellence in learning and character. The Speaker assured the University of his readiness to provide any necessary service or assistance to help achieve its goals, as a way of repaying his proud alma mater.
The Speaker also commended the Vice Chancellor for his foresight, laudable initiatives, and focused leadership, which he believes will establish the University of Maiduguri as a leading institution not only in Nigeria but also in Africa.
Abdul Ahmad Burra, the spokesperson to the Speaker of the Bauchi State House of Assembly, made this statement regarding the Vice Chancellor’s leadership.