The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID), Prof. Muhammed Mele, has called on the institution’s alumni to increase their financial, intellectual, and professional contributions towards sustaining its growth and academic excellence.
He made the call at the university’s first Global Annual Reunion Dinner and Awards Night, organised by the UNIMAID Alumni Association in Abuja.
Prof. Mele said the university’s development could not depend solely on government intervention, stressing that graduates must take greater responsibility for funding, institutional development and preserving the institution’s legacy.
The Vice-Chancellor urged alumni, regardless of their professional positions and locations, to reconnect with their alma mater and contribute meaningfully to its advancement.
“Let us build UNIMAID so that it can continue to strengthen our beloved nation, Nigeria,” he said.
Prof. Mele noted that the university had produced graduates who make significant contributions across government, corporate organizations, security agencies, educational institutions, and international organizations.
He described the alumni as ambassadors of the university’s values and academic tradition, saying their achievements reflected the quality of education and training they received.
“Wherever our alumni go, they carry the touch of UNIMAID with them, and they do that with unmatched distinction,” he said.
He said the university’s ability to withstand years of difficult circumstances, particularly insurgency and insecurity in the North-East, demonstrated the importance of collective commitment to its survival and development.
The Vice-Chancellor acknowledged the support of the Federal Government, President Bola Tinubu, the university’s Visitor, Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum, other state governors, members of the National Assembly, development partners and traditional rulers.
However, he maintained that alumni contributions remained critical to consolidating the university’s achievements and sustaining its pursuit of excellence.
Prof. Mele also commended Vice-President Kashim Shettima for his leadership and contributions to national development, particularly his role in mobilising support for the successful relaunch of the university’s endowment fund.
Congratulating the award recipients, he urged alumni to use the reunion as an opportunity to renew their commitment to the institution rather than merely reminisce about their university days.
“Let us see this night, not just as a night to wine and dine and remember our days on campus, but also a night for all of us to renew our sacred past,” he said.
Earlier, the Global President of the UNIMAID Alumni Association, Baba Shettima-Kukawa, disclosed that the association had registered nearly 10,000 graduates through its newly established online portal.
He described the database as the largest collection of alumni records in the university’s history.
According to him, the digital platform also enabled the association to conduct its first nationwide online election, covering the entire process from the declaration of interest by aspirants to the announcement of winners.
He said the initiative was designed to promote transparency, inclusiveness and sustainability while ensuring continuity in the association’s leadership.
Shettima-Kukawa further disclosed that the association was developing a scholarship endowment fund, mentorship program and professional development board to support students and graduates.
He expressed optimism that the initiatives would become operational before the end of the year, adding that they were aimed at strengthening ties between the university and its graduates while creating opportunities for younger members.
In his keynote address, President of the Worldwide University of Lagos Alumni Association, Ifeoluwa Oyedele, identified institutional resilience, leadership continuity and structured mentorship as essential elements for building effective alumni associations.
Oyedele described the UNIMAID Alumni Association as a community built on lifelong relationships, shared values and a common identity.
He commended the university for maintaining its presence in Maiduguri and sustaining academic activities despite the devastating impact of insurgency and insecurity in the North-East.
He said the university’s decision to remain open demonstrated the determination of its management, staff, students and alumni.
According to him, UNIMAID’s experience offers important lessons on institutional resilience, commitment and the need for alumni to support their institutions during periods of adversity.
Oyedele warned that alumni associations risk losing institutional memory and developmental momentum without effective leadership succession arrangements.
He therefore urged the association to establish structures that would guarantee the continuity of programs beyond the tenure of individual executives.
He also called for structured mentorship programs to help younger graduates navigate unemployment, economic uncertainty and professional development challenges.
The keynote speaker said stronger connections between older graduates, undergraduates and current students would enable alumni associations to mobilise their collective intellectual, professional, financial and social resources for institutional advancement.
He added that unity among alumni did not require uniformity of opinion, noting that members could disagree on issues while remaining committed to a common institutional purpose.
The reunion, themed “Unity, Resilience and Impact: Building UNIMAID, Strengthening the Nation,” brought together graduates and other stakeholders to celebrate the university’s achievements, honour distinguished alumni and discuss strategies for strengthening its future.
(Peoples Gazette)
