UNIMAID VC laments poor funding, derelict infrastructures
Prof. Shugaba, the Vice Chancellor of the University of Maiduguri, has lamented poor funding and infrastructure challenges at the institution.
He acknowledged the university’s impressive growth over the past 48 years but highlighted the hindrances caused by insufficient funding from the Federal Government and the rising inflation in the country.
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 a successful alumnus.
The vice-chancellor explained that the university’s management has decided to revive 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.
Established in 1976, the University of Maiduguri is the first university in the Northeast subregion of Nigeria and one of the seven second-generation institutions of higher learning in the country. It has experienced significant growth in both physical infrastructure and academic programs.
Currently, the university offers 127 academic programs across 89 departments, including a medical college, 16 faculties, 23 institutes, academic centers, units, and two schools.
Notably, the Muhammadu Indimi International Centre is among the outstanding facilities.
The vice-chancellor also highlighted the university’s growing 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 populous university in Nigeria, with the highest student population,” the VC said, adding that, the university also has a staff body of 6,000 academic and non-academic personnel.”
The VC emphasized the university’s dedication to teaching, learning, and research, which has elevated its reputation as a significant contributor to learning and scholarship globally.
According to the VC, the university 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 expects that the speaker, being an accomplished alumnus, will assist in successfully relaunching the University of Maiduguri Endowment Fund.
By doing so, the university aims to enhance its ability to address the significant challenges of training qualified manpower required for national development in the 21st century.
In response to his appointment, Abdul Ahmad Burra, the spokesperson for the Speaker of the Bauchi State House of Assembly, 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 center of excellence in learning and character.
He 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.
He also commended the VC for his visionary leadership, commendable initiatives, and focused direction, which he believes will establish the University of Maiduguri as a leading institution not only in Nigeria but also in Africa.
