In Nigeria’s turbulent northeast, where security challenges often dominate headlines, the University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID) stands not only as a citadel of learning but as a powerful symbol of resilience. Located in the Borno State capital, this federal university has continued to operate, educate, and grow, even in the face of extremist threats and humanitarian crises. Founded in 1975, UNIMAID has become a key intellectual and socio-economic institution in the region, playing an essential role in shaping professionals, scholars, and policy influencers across Nigeria and beyond.
Here are 15 interesting facts about the University.
1. Established in 1975 as a Federal University
The University of Maiduguri was established in 1975 by the Federal Government of Nigeria during a major expansion of higher education institutions in the country. Its foundation was part of an effort to promote access to tertiary education in Nigeria’s northern region.
2. Located in the Heart of the Sahel Region
UNIMAID is based in Maiduguri, the capital of Borno State, which lies within the Sahel, a semi-arid region that spans across West and Central Africa.
3. A Pillar of Resilience During Boko Haram Insurgency
Despite persistent threats from Boko Haram and other violent non-state actors in the region, the University of Maiduguri has remained open and operational. Data from JAMB shows that the University of Maiduguri ranked top of Nigerian universities with the highest admission figure for 2019, data from the JAMB shows. The school admitted 12,523 students for the year, an increase from the 11,665 students it matriculated the previous academic year.
4. Home to Over 30,000 Students
As of recent counts, UNIMAID boasts a student population exceeding 25,000. These include undergraduates, postgraduates, diploma students, and those enrolled in non-traditional learning formats.
5. Offers Over 50 Academic Programmes
The university offers more than 50 academic programmes across its various faculties, including Medicine, Law, Engineering, Agriculture, Arts, Education, Management Sciences, and Environmental Studies. This diversity makes it a comprehensive university by Nigerian standards.
6. Houses a Renowned Centre for Peace and Security Studies
UNIMAID is home to the Centre for Peace, Diplomacy and Development Studies, one of the few institutions in Nigeria with a dedicated focus on conflict resolution and peacebuilding. Its work is vital given the regional context of armed conflict and displacement.
7. UNIMAID HAD FEW STUDENTS IN ITS FIRST YEAR
In its first academic year, the university enrolled 743 students spread across three faculties, namely Arts and Education, Science, and Social Science & Law.
8. Played a Key Role in the Lake Chad Basin Academic Research
The university has been involved in interdisciplinary research on Lake Chad, one of Africa’s most threatened water bodies. Researchers at UNIMAID have contributed to studies on climate change, water resource management, and community displacement linked to the Lake Chad crisis.
9. Affiliated with Numerous Institutions Nationally and Internationally
The university maintains academic and research collaborations with several institutions, locally and globally.
10. Houses a Veterinary Teaching Hospital Serving the Sahel
The Faculty of Veterinary Medicine at UNIMAID is equipped with a full-fledged veterinary teaching hospital, which provides both training and services to livestock farmers in the northeast, a region heavily dependent on agriculture and animal husbandry.
11. One of the Few Universities Offering Kanuri Language Courses
As part of its commitment to indigenous language preservation and regional relevance, UNIMAID offers courses in Kanuri, one of the major languages of the northeastern region.
12. Its Teaching Hospital Is a Regional Healthcare Hub
The University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH) is one of the largest tertiary healthcare institutions in Nigeria’s northeast. It serves both as a teaching facility for medical students and as a referral hospital for complex medical cases in Borno and neighbouring states.
13. Offers Distance Learning and Part-Time Programmes
To expand access, especially for working professionals and internally displaced persons (IDPs), UNIMAID runs part-time and distance learning programmes under its Centre for Distance Learning (CDL), making education more inclusive.
14. Staff and Students Have Been Victims of Insurgent Attacks
Over the years, the university has lost staff and students to attacks by extremist groups. Despite these tragedies, the university community continues to teach and learn.
15. Alumni Network Includes Governors, Scholars, and International Figures
The university’s alumni network includes politician, diplomats, academics, and civil society leaders. Its graduates serve in various leadership roles across Nigeria, affirming the institution’s long-standing impact.
