University of Maiduguri

The University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID) is a prominent federal higher institution located in Maiduguri, the capital city of Borno State, in North-East Nigeria. Established by the federal government in 1975, its primary aim was to become one of the country’s leading higher education institutions, serving as a major center of learning in the North-Eastern region. Its motto is “Knowledge is Light.”

History and Foundation:

UNIMAID was established as part of Nigeria’s “second-generation” universities, forming part of the Third National Development Plan (1975-80). It inherited the premises of the former North East College of Arts and Science (NECAS) in April 1976, which provided adequate initial infrastructure. Academic programs commenced in October 1976 with an initial enrollment of 743 students across three faculties: Arts and Education, Science, and Social Science & Law. The university has since experienced significant growth in student population and personnel.

Vision and Mission:

The University of Maiduguri’s vision is to be a world-class institution of higher learning renowned for scholarship, innovation, and social responsibility. Its mission is to provide excellent teaching, research, and community service, producing graduates equipped with the knowledge, skills, and ethical values necessary to contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s development and beyond. Given its unique location bordering Niger, Chad, and Cameroon, UNIMAID also focuses on scholarship relevant to the Sahelian environment and trans-Saharan studies.

Campuses and Facilities:

UNIMAID is an urban campus that offers a serene and conducive environment for learning. It provides a wide range of services to its students, including comprehensive library services, counseling and human development services, and online student portals. The university also houses specialized centers for research in areas such as arid zone studies, trans-Saharan studies, and peace and development studies. The University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH), established with the Medical School in 1979, is one of the largest hospitals in the country, serving patients from across the region and neighboring countries.

Academic Programs:

UNIMAID comprises 16 faculties and offers a diverse range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines, including:

• Faculty of Agriculture: Agricultural Economics, Agricultural Extension Services, Animal Science, Crop Production, Crop Protection, Fisheries, Forestry and Wildlife, Soil Science.
• Faculty of Arts: Arabic Studies, Creative Arts, English, Fine Arts, History, Language and Linguistics, Islamic Studies, Theatre Arts, Industrial Design.
• College of Medical Sciences:
  • Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences: Human Anatomy, Human Physiology, Nutrition and Dietetics.
  • Faculty of Clinical Sciences: Medicine & Surgery, Ear, Nose & Throat Surgery.
  • Faculty of Dentistry: Dental Surgery.
  • Faculty of Allied Health Sciences: Nursing Science, Physiotherapy/Medical Rehabilitation, Radiography, Medical Laboratory Science.
• Faculty of Education: Adult Education, Continuing Education & Extension Services, Library and Information Science, Physical and Health Education.
• Faculty of Engineering: Agricultural & Environmental Resources Engineering, Architectural Technology, Chemical Engineering, Civil & Water Resources Engineering, Computer Engineering, Electrical & Electronics Engineering, Food Science & Technology, Mechanical Engineering.
• Faculty of Environmental Science: Urban and Regional Planning, Environmental Science, Environmental Management, Environmental Health.
• Faculty of Law: Private Law, Public Law, Sharia Law.
• Faculty of Management Sciences: Accountancy, Business Administration, Economics, Marketing, Public Administration, Management.
• Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences: Pharmacology & Toxicology, Pharmacognosy, Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Pharmaceutics & Pharmaceutical Microbiology, Clinical Pharmacy & Pharmacy Administration.
• Faculty of Science: Biology, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Environmental Biology, Chemistry, Glass and Silicate Technology, Industrial Chemistry, Petroleum Chemistry, Mathematics & Statistics, Microbiology, Physics.
• Faculty of Social Sciences: Mass Communication, Geography, Political Science, Sociology & Anthropology, Peace and Conflict Studies.
• Faculty of Veterinary Medicine: Veterinary Medicine, Veterinary Anatomy, Veterinary Pathology, Veterinary Physiology, Pharmacology & Biochemistry, Veterinary Microbiology & Parasitology, Veterinary Public Health & Preventive Medicine, Veterinary Surgery & Theriogenology.

The university also offers programs through its Centre for Distance Learning (CDL) and the University of Maiduguri Business School (UMBS).

Rankings and Reputation:

The University of Maiduguri is consistently ranked among the top universities in Nigeria and Africa. It demonstrates strong performance in global rankings, particularly in research output across various fields such as Medicine, Biology, and Environmental Science. UNIMAID’s commitment to quality education, research, and community development solidifies its position as a leading institution in Nigeria.