UNIMAID threatens to take legal action against IIJ Abuja’s affiliation claims

The University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID) has issued a stern warning to the International Institute of Journalism (IIJ) in Abuja, threatening legal action over false affiliation claims.

A Senate member from the University, whose identity was not disclosed informed journalists about this situation over the weekend.

The Diaspora Digital Media (DDM), learnt that the UNIMAID’s management has recently lodged a formal complaint with the FCT Police Command against the International Institute of Journalism (IIJ) regarding allegations of certificate forgery.

The allegations involved certain individuals, including Grace Ike, Ndambabo Yahaya Jide Oyekunle, and Sandra Ogochukwu Udeike, who were elected as executives of the FCT Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists under contentious circumstances.

According to report, these individuals allegedly secured fraudulent statements of results and a certificate from IIJ, aided by members of the former NUJ national executive.

Reacting, a UNIMAID Senate member revealed that the institution was made aware of forgery allegations related to a purported affiliation through online reports, emphasizing that no such affiliation exists.

“We view this as criminal behavior and are taking steps to rectify it,” the official noted.

Additionally, he asserted, “IIJ failed to follow regulations.

“They are not authorized to issue any certificates or results bearing the University of Maiduguri’s name.

“Thus, any certificate they claim is from the university does not originate from us.

“If they issue their own certificates, that is their issue and unrelated to our institution.”

The Senate member emphasized, “Any certificate, whether forged or legitimate, does not originate from the university.

“If IIJ were affiliated with us, we would regulate their certificates, which must be issued directly by the university.”

“Therefore, we are prepared to take legal action against them for misusing our name.”

About UNIMAID

The University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID) is a prominent federal higher education institution located in Maiduguri, the capital of Borno State in Northeast Nigeria.

It was established by the Nigerian federal government in 1975.

UNIMAID aims to become one of the nation’s leading higher education establishments.

The university currently accommodates approximately 25,000 students across various programs.

It features a college of medicine and multiple faculties.

UNIMAID offers diverse academic programs in fields such as agriculture, arts, environmental science, allied health sciences, and basic medical sciences.

It offers dentistry, education, engineering, law, management sciences, pharmacy, sciences, social sciences, and veterinary medicine.

The university comprises 12 faculties, each providing specialized courses:

UNIMAID Faculty of Agriculture

Offers programs in agricultural economics, agricultural extension services, animal science, crop production, crop protection, fisheries, forestry and wildlife, and soil science.

UNIMAID Faculty of Arts

This includes departments like English, fine arts, history, language and linguistics, Arabic and Islamic studies, theatre arts, and industrial design.

UNIMAID College of Medical Sciences

Provides training in medicine and surgery, dental surgery, human pathology, anatomy, physiology, nursing science, physiotherapy, radiography, and medical laboratory science.

Other specialized areas include ear, nose and throat surgery, and human nutrition and dietetics.

Faculty of Education

Focuses on continuing education, library and information science, and physical and health education.

Faculty of Engineering

Offers degrees in agricultural and environmental resources engineering, urban and regional planning, architectural technology, chemical engineering.

It also offers civil and water resources engineering, computer engineering, electrical and electronics engineering, food science and technology, and mechanical engineering.

Faculty of Law

Provides education in private law, public law, and Sharia law.

Faculty of Management Sciences

Includes programs in accountancy, business, marketing, economics, public administration, and general management.

Faculty of Pharmacy

Focuses on pharmacology and toxicology, pharmacognosy, pharmaceutical chemistry, pharmaceutics, and clinical pharmacy.

Faculty of Science

Offers courses in biology, biochemistry, biotechnology, environmental biology, chemistry, glass and silicate technology.

Also offers industrial chemistry, petroleum chemistry, mathematics and statistics, microbiology, and physics.

Faculty of Social Sciences

Includes programs in mass communication, geography, political science, and sociology and anthropology.

College of Veterinary Medicine

Provides veterinary education focusing on various specialties, including veterinary anatomy, pathology.

It also provides physiology, pharmacology, microbiology, public health, preventive medicine, and surgery.

Through its comprehensive array of programs, UNIMAID serves as a major educational institution in Northeast Nigeria.

The university emphasizes not only academic excellence but also practical applications of knowledge in addressing regional challenges.

Its commitment to research, particularly in agriculture and medicine, positions it as a critical player in the development of the region.

As a key higher learning institution in Borno State, UNIMAID plays an influential role in shaping the future of its students.

In summary, UNIMAID stands out as a vital center for higher learning in Nigeria, attracting students from various backgrounds.

Its dedication to academic excellence, research, and community engagement makes it a cornerstone of education in Northeast Nigeria.

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